30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 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 Bridging the Past Cooper River Bridge Run milestones BY ZACH GIROUX our town 1 MILES of MEMORIES 2 3 5 7 8 6 4 9 1 1978 — Founded by Dr. Marcus Newberry, the first Cooper River Bridge Run welcomes 766 finishers crossing the Silas Pearman Bridge. 2 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. 3 1981 — Mark Embler becomes the first and only local overall winner with a time of 30:54. 4 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. 5 1986 — The Marcus Newberry Award debuts to recognize top Tri-County finishers. Dense fog delays the race by one hour. 6 1992 — Kenyan elite runners begin a dominant winning streak. 7 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. 8 1995 — The race returns to the Silas Pearman Bridge with more than 10,000 finishers. 9 1997–1998 — Chip timing launches, Elana Myers sets a women’s course record and becomes the first two-time female champion.
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