Mount Pleasant Magazine March April 2019

35 www.MPMcalendar.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com feature M oving to Charleston four years ago and driving over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge for the first time, I was awestruck. It was simply beautiful, arched above the blue water, as it seemed to touch the sky at its highest point. It’s amazing to think that an architectural structure as simple as a bridge built over the Cooper River blesses the Lowcountry daily as people drive to and from work on their daily commutes. Speaking of daily commutes, some people trek over this man-made wonder daily by foot. Running, walking, with strollers … however they can make it. The Ravenel Bridge, if anything, is a source of inspiration to get out and do your best – to cross the bridge. And thousands of runners, ranging from the world- class to the average-joe morning jogger, will get out and do just that this April 6 to enjoy the 42nd annual Cooper River Bridge Run 10K, spanning from Mount Pleasant’s Coleman Boulevard to Marion Square in downtown Charleston. Our town’s great road race has enjoyed tremendous success and publicity, thanks to the efforts and dedication of Julian Smith and his many years at its helm as race director. We all know the Charleston area is booming with newcomers and tourists, so it’s no secret the race has enjoyed increased success each passing year. But what if we were to rewind to a simpler time – to get a glimpse into the race when it was mostly confined to locals? These hearty souls, along with a slew of other runners who probably knew one another, woke up, slipped on their shorts, perhaps a cotton T-shirt or tank top and a pair of Nikes, all in the name of pure, friendly competition. Marc Embler, Ph.D., is dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies and is the assistant vice president for academic affairs at Charleston Southern University. He’s been running for 48 years and is the only local to win the Cooper River Bridge Run – the fourth race, in Shortly after the Ravenel Bridge was completed, local runners held a race across the soon-to-be-torn-down but never-to-be-forgotten Pearman bridge. Photo by Brian Sherman.