25 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY COLIN MCCANDLESS Still Not Over It Cooper River Bridge Run maintains global appeal The first Saturday in April is an exciting time to be in Charleston, as it will mark the 47th anniversary of the Cooper River Bridge Run 10k race, which attracts fitness enthusiasts from all over the country and the world. This year’s event, slated for April 6, kicks off at 8 a.m. at the start line located on the corner of Coleman Boulevard and Simmons Street in front of Moultrie Middle School. Founded in 1978, it has come a long way since that first race in the late ‘70s, when 766 finishers ran over the Silas Pearman Bridge. Now hosting a capacity of 38,500 participants, the Cooper River Bridge Run is the third largest 10k race in the U.S. In the most recent economic impact study, conducted five years ago, it was determined that the event has a $35 million impact annually on the Charleston area. A new economic impact study will be completed this year to provide an updated figure, according to Irv Batten, who has served as CRBR race director since 2019. Typically, the race draws participants from all 50 states and 15 different countries. More than 75 percent of registrants travel more than 60 miles to participate in the run/walk, endeavoring to “get over it.” Since 2006, the ‘it’ part has referred to conquering the Arthur Ravenel Jr. our town
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