It’s hard to keep up a running blog when running takes a backseat to work, family life, volunteering, and gymming. You’re more likely to find me on the other side of the starting line- working a registration table, packet pick-up, or whatever else needs to be done. So, I wanted to share some upcoming races I’m volunteering at or possibly running in the next few months (for real, three race directors asked me to help “advertise” their races, and I couldn’t leave the other one out).
I believe in supporting local races with local race directors, timing companies, and charity partners. All of these races are events I have run or volunteered with in previous years, I know the race directors and organizers personally, and runners and walkers of all abilities are celebrated.
March 13: Catch the Leprechaun 5K
Catch the Leprechaun 5K is a long-running event in our community that benefits Racers for Pacers and the HEART Artist Guide and Theatre Company. One of the best things about this race is that Racers for Pacers are there, so you see where your race registration dollar goes when the kids and their pacers run by with the racing wheelchairs.
Along with that Catch the Leprechaun offers something for every runners. If you’re a competitive runner, maybe you can win one of the cash prizes for overalls. If you’re an age grouper, you can also win a nice award (usually a pint glass). If you want to challenge yourself, everyone who finishes ahead of the leprechaun receives a finisher’s mug- and yes, the leprechaun will come up beside you, running and taunting you to beat him. At the finish, you’ll find live music and an after party.
This race is family friendly and even strollers are welcome. Lots of kids come out, and they often log fast times, but you can take pride in partaking in the free beer even if they can’t.
Register here or on site/race day
March 17: Race and Roast
I helped out with last year’s Race and Roast, and like Catch the Leprechaun, it’s fun for the whole family. Race and Roast is a trail run on a Sunday afternoon, so the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed. Held at Oakland Plantation, the run benefits the East Cooper Land Trust, which you’ll run through on the course.
This race is really fun for casual runners. Let’s be honest, many of us in Charleston aren’t running for awards or medals- we’re running for food and beer- and you’ll find both at the finish. The race price ($55) includes your race as well as all-you-can-eat oysters, chili, hot dogs, appetizers, and wine and beer, which comes from Charleston-area breweries. How much more local can you get than running through the forest you’ll support and recovering with a local beer?
April 6: Savannah Women’s Half Marathon and 5K
The Savannah Women’s Half Marathon isn’t held in my city, but it makes a great girl’s weekend getaway. This event embraces ALL women- the women on the course cheer for and support each other, especially during the out-and-back portions of the half. Ladies stick around at the finish and cheer other runners and walkers in. Savannah Women’s Half allows men to run (there are no awards for men), and men are also treated respectfully, not booed or criticized.
One of the best features of the Savannah Women’s Half/5K is the expo. The apparel at the expo is all ladies cut, and the vendors are all local businesses, many owned by female entrepreneurs. At the expo, my husband, Clay, and I stock up on Nourish Natural Bath Products, and the participant gift is a gym bag or backpack, which is wonderful for taking all of your expo goodies home.
The Savannah Women’s Half/5K runs through the streets of Savannah, finishing at Forsyth Park with refreshments, mimosas, live music, a farmer’s market, and beauty. It benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma society as well as Savannah’s Girls on the Run chapters.
Register here and use the code Tiny15 to save 15%
April 13: Run for Brighter Days 5K/10K
The Run for Brighter Days 5K/10K is special to me, as proceeds benefit The Jonathan Foundation, a charity that supports at-risk teens. I first ran in 2012 because the race is held in memory of the race director’s son, Jonathan, who committed suicide, and I’ve lost several people in my life to suicide. At the time, I didn’t realize that when Jonathan died, his family donated his organs- and a gentleman from Mt. Pleasant, Lorcan Lucey, received Jonathan’s lungs.
If you run races in the Charleston area, you may know Lorcan Lucey, or at the very least, have a t-shirt with his name on the back. That’s because Lucey Mortgage Corporation sponsors many longtime events such as Race the Landing, Charlie Post Classic, Floppin Flounder, and even the Catch the Leprechaun 5K. Without Lorcan, his sponsorship, and his support, our running community wouldn’t be what it is. Each year, Lorcan participates in Run for Brighter Days, and other runners and spectators see him using Jonathan’s lungs to breathe and power his run.
Hopefully, Lorcan’s story and the cause of this race alone are enough for you to consider running it, but you’ll also get a finisher’s medal AND some of the best race refreshments around. The strawberries served at the finish are even grown on the farm you’ll run through on the course.
If you want to support local races and keep them around, the best thing to do is to spend the money to run or volunteer at them. I hope to see you at least one of these!
