The annual Cooper River Bridge Run is one of our favorite events of the year! We love to enjoy the beauty of this special city from the top of the iconic Ravenel Bridge. It is spectacular and it's the reason why thousands of people flock to the Holy City to participate in the Run and additional festivities. Here's a quick guide to making the most of your Cooper River Bridge Run Weekend.
Bridge Run Expo
The Expo takes place at the North Charleston Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, on Thursday 4/4 from 12pm-8pm and Friday 4/5 from 8am-8pm. This is where race attendees can pick up their race packet & bib, buy race swag at the Bridge Run store, taste samples of health food and beverages from all the top brands, and shop for work out gear from just about every retailer you can think of! Did we mention that most of them run special discounts on your favorite brands?!
I love going to the Expo, there is just so much to see and do there, so definitely plan your time to allow browsing, tasting, and potentially waiting in line. Speaking of, we recommend the best times to go in order to avoid long lines are Thursday before 6pm and Friday between 8am-12pm.
Pro Tip: you can find past year's swag in the Bridge Run store for a fraction of the cost of the current year's gear. Last year, I was able to find 4 matching moisture-wicking shirts for family members for less than $5 TOTAL!! They are the most worn shirts in our house.
Getting to the Starting Line
If you are staying in Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, Johns Island or Folly Beach, you will want to prepare for getting over to Mount Pleasant where the starting line begins. There are multiple ways to get across the bridge Saturday morning, but you need to sign up for them ahead of time. You can find the different bus routes and pick up spots here OR you can pre-purchase boat shuttle tickets. The boat shuttle will bring you from Downtown Charleston at the Aquarium Wharf over to Patriots Point. From Patriots Point, you can walk to the starting line at the corner of Simmons St and Coleman Blvd. Keep in mind this is an additional 2 mile walk.
Race morning is organized chaos and the atmosphere is absolutely AMAZING! The energy from everyone will give you chills. Not to mention, when you climb the bridge and get to the top, the views are incredible. Make sure you stop and take in the beauty!
The Finish Festival
After a super early morning and a 10K race, you will celebrate in Southern style with live music, food, and drinks in Marion Square in Downtown Charleston! The Finish Festival is so fun! There are multiple bands that perform, everyone is celebrating the race together and everyone is thrilled to award themselves with an ice cold brew or water. You can dance the rest of the morning and afternoon away. Half of our team likes to run the race, the other half likes to take a shuttle to the Finish Festival to celebrate and enjoy the entertainment in one of the most beautiful cities in the South!
Whether crossing the finish line in record time or simply savoring the journey, every participant in the 2024 Cooper River Bridge Run can take pride in being part of something truly special. The Cooper River Bridge Run isn't just an event; it's an experience that will linger in the hearts and memories of all who take part.
So join the Andy Bovender Team at Compass Charleston at the 2024 Cooper River Bridge Run. We can talk real estate or we can just enjoy the festivities; either way, we'll see you at the finish line!
