Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2018

38 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com opportunity that changed the course of his life and career – and ultimately the course of the race: He became director of the Cooper River Bridge Run. Admittedly a “big-picture guy,” Smith worked quickly to bring his vision to life. He put the race on the map with a 10-page spread in Runner’s World magazine. He got charitable organizations involved. He pulled in major sponsors. Even Oprah Winfrey famously ran in his first race as director and reportedly gained more press than the race itself. Today, the Bridge Run is capped at 40,000 runners, with major sponsors such as Boeing, Mercedes, Harris Teeter, The Post and Courier, Jim ‘N Nick’s, CPI, Geico and BELFOR. Fifteen local and national charities are involved, and runners are invited to donate money to or create fundraising groups for them. Approximately $30,000 goes to schools and nonprofits through the Coastal Community Foundation. Smith’s favorite part is race day. “It’s great to watch as events get checked off the list – the kids’ run, the beer garden, the health and wellness expo, the press lunch,” he said. “But getting up on the scaffolding is the greatest moment. It’s so rewarding to see 40,000 people lined up ready to run. It all comes to fruition.” His ability to skillfully manage the multiple moving parts of the race – from events to charities, schools and nonprofits, awards for the Bridge Run Hall of Fame and Joseph P. Riley Awards and overall dedication to improving health and wellness – has gained him popularity throughout the running and racing world, and his expertise has in turn helped numerous other races become known internationally. “It’s rewarding to be respected as a race director. With the Cooper River Bridge Run’s numbers and the money we bring in from sponsorships, other directors respect me for my opinions, and I’m glad to see them become successful as well,” Smith said. Over the decades, he has made great memories networking with other race directors by attending their races and having them come to his – big-name races such as Peachtree, Marine Corps, Boulder, Big Sur, Maui, Dubrovnik and Mostar. The list goes on. He has made such an impact globally that his network of friends, fellow runners, race directors and more have come together to show their support when he needs it the most. Shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer, this group rallied together, and friends around the world sent letters and videos sharing meaningful memories, words of feature Photo courtesy of Robert Smith/Chris Nelson. Julian Smith walks alongside race volunteers at the Asheville Half Marathon.