We’re still not over it. The Cooper River Bridge Run’s motto “Get Over It” may be inspirational for runners and walkers, but there is too much history over the near half-century to not reminisce.
This year marks the 49th annual running of Charleston’s world-renowned 10K that is set for Saturday, March 28. Runners from all walks of life will embark on a 6.2-mile trek from Mount Pleasant over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to the finish line in downtown Charleston.
Today’s race averages more than 40,000 participants and is the third largest 10K race in the country. The inaugural race dating back to April 2, 1978, featured less than 1,000 participants. The Bridge Run regularly attracts runners from all 50 U.S. states and participants from about 15 different countries, most notably Kenya, who has had multiple men’s and women’s champions over the last five years.
From a financial standpoint, the Bridge Run raises approximately $60,000 a year from registration fees alone. The local hospitality and tourism industry generates approximately $33 million in that one weekend.
The Bridge Run also supports the Lowcountry through their Charity Connection and Grants programs. Ninety-five cents of every dollar spent goes towards their mission. A portion of the funds raised is donated to national and local charitable organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, Lowcountry Food Bank, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Pet Helpers, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, Special Olympics South Carolina, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Windwood Family Services, Carolina Children’s Charity, Palmetto Military Support Group, Water Mission, Camp Rise Above and The Green Heart Project.
Numbers aside, let’s take a run down memory lane and reflect on some of the race milestones over the years. We hope this timeline helps jog your memory and makes you appreciate such a spirited tradition.
• Record registration (2006): 45,663 participants
• Men’s course record: 27:40 (James Koskei, Kenya, 2000)
• Women’s notable record: 31:19 (Elana Myers, USA, 1997)
• First wheelchair athlete: (Genie Wellons, USA, 2002)
The Silas Pearman Bridge (1978–2002)
1978 — Founded by Dr. Marcus Newberry, the first Cooper River Bridge Run welcomes 766 finishers crossing the Silas Pearman Bridge.
1980 — The course shifts to the Grace Memorial Bridge, and the Dewey Wise Trophy is introduced, honoring the oldest finisher who beats their age in minutes.
1981 — Mark Embler becomes the first and only local overall winner with a time of 30:54.
1984–1985 — David Branch becomes the first two-time champion, and prize money is awarded for the first time as the course becomes officially certified.
1986 — The Marcus Newberry Award debuts to recognize top Tri-County finishers. Dense fog delays the race by one hour.
1992 — Kenyan elite runners begin a dominant winning streak.
1993–1994 — The first T-shirt Design Contest winners are named, and Oprah Winfrey joins thousands of runners on the course. Julian Smith begins his tenure as race director.
1995 — The race returns to the Silas Pearman Bridge with more than 10,000 finishers.
1997–1998 — Chip timing launches, Elana Myers sets a women’s course record and becomes the first two-time female champion.
2000 — James Koskei sets the men’s course record at 27:40.
2002 — The Bridge Run Hall of Fame is established, and Genie Wellons becomes the first wheelchair athlete to compete.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (2006–Present)
2006 — A record 45,663 participants register for the first race across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The Elite Wheelchair Race debuts.
2007–2010 — Participation is capped at 40,000, and timing chips move onto race bibs.
2017 — The 40th anniversary is celebrated with 40 days of special events.
2019 — The race earns the Governor’s Cup Award for its impact on tourism. Irv Batten becomes race director.
2020–2021 — The event goes virtual during the pandemic before returning in person. Hermin Garic sets a new Elite Wheelchair course record, and the Overall Champion Trophy is renamed for former race director Julian Smith.
2022–2023 — The 45th anniversary is celebrated, and the Overall Wheelchair Trophy is renamed in honor of Genie Wellons.
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