31 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com 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. Ninetyfive 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 our town 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. 10 11 14 16 17 15 13 12 RACE RECORDS • 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) 10 2000 — James Koskei sets the men’s course record at 27:40. 11 2002 — The Bridge Run Hall of Fame is established, and Genie Wellons becomes the first wheelchair athlete to compete. 12 2006 — A record 45,663 participants register for the first race across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The Elite Wheelchair Race debuts. 13 2007–2010 — Participation is capped at 40,000, and timing chips move onto race bibs. 14 2017 — The 40th anniversary is celebrated with 40 days of special events. 15 2019 — The race earns the Governor’s Cup Award for its impact on tourism. Irv Batten becomes race director. 16 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. 17 2022–2023 — The 45th anniversary is celebrated, and the Overall Wheelchair Trophy is renamed in honor of Genie Wellons.
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