Fall is here, the weather is wonderful, and it's time for another very popular local 5K and 10K: the IOP Connector Run. This weekend is the 26th incarnation of a well-loved local island event. Not only is it healthy fun, it also benefits a worthy cause. Whether you're a local or here visiting, you're welcome to take part or just spectate and enjoy the after party. If you’ve been to the Isle of Palms before, you probably drove over the IOP Connector while you were here. You may have noticed folks walking, running or biking over it. It offers great views of the marsh and tidal creeks, and there’s usually a nice breeze. It’s the easiest way to get between the Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant. If you’ve been here lately, you may have noticed an unusually large number of people running on the IOP Connector. Chances are they’re training for this weekend’s big event, the official Connector Run. It’s the 26th annual Isle of Palms Run and Walk for the Child - a yearly 5K and 10K race that draws runners and walkers of all levels to the island. The race is subtitled “...For the Prevention of Child Abuse & Healing those Affected in Charleston.” As the name indicates, proceeds go toward advocacy programs for children in the area. It’s done a lot of good over the years while also proving to be a fun fall and island event. This is how organizers have described the race:
“This Run/Walk is the most scenic on the East Coast, providing panoramic early morning views of the Intracoastal Waterway as you walk and run from the Isle of Palms over the marsh towards Mount Pleasant. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the sunrise, and a wide variety of coastal birds and passing boats with thousands of other walkers and runners as well as a fabulous After Party with fun & games, kids’ activities, snacks, beer garden, and Live Music. All of this while helping the Exchange Club of Isle of Palms raise money for the prevention of child abuse!"
All the deets of the Run/Walk
It takes place this Saturday, October 6th - that’s tomorrow! The race itself begins at 8:00 a.m. The start line is on Palm Boulevard near J. C. Long Boulevard, right next to our office. If you are taking part, you could literally jog from one of our beach homes to the start line. Not a bad way to warm up before the race. For the 5K, runners or walkers go halfway over the Connector, then loop back. 10K-ers go all the way over to Mount Pleasant, near the entrance to Seaside Farms), before looping back. Early and online registrations are over, but you can still enter the race. You can register in person for $35 at the packet pickup today (Friday, October 5th) between 10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at East Cooper Hospital. You can also register tomorrow, the morning of the race, between 6:00-7:30 a.m. at the IOP Public Safety Building, 30 J.C. Long Boulevard, right down the street from our office, for $40. You can also give more that the required amount. It will count as a donation to the truly worthy cause. The race is organized by the City of Isle of Palms and the Town of Mount Pleasant as well as the Exchange Clubs of both towns. It has a slew of big sponsors including East Cooper Medical Center, presenting sponsor Mahle, Harris-Teeter, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Windjammer, Mercedez-Benz, Dockery’s, Rivers Kids, UPS, Sullivan Law Office, Isle of Palms Family Dentistry, and many more.
Get set for #Oktoberkest tomorrow morning after the Connector Run
This year’s theme is #Oktoberfest, and you’re encouraged to dress for the part. Unlike many area runs, strollers are welcome. The post-race party has evolved into quite a bash, especially with this year’s Oktoberfest theme. There is a complimentary beer garden for those participants 21 and over (bring ID), live music featuring the ever-popular PLANE JANE and awards as well as a special kids’ entertainment area. There will also be brats! (Sausages, not kids). There’s an important note to those staying on the Isle of Palms. If you’re coming to or leaving the Isle tomorrow morning, the IOP Connector will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 7:00 a.m. due to the Connector Run. They will reopen the Connector around 10:30 a.m. when the last runners and walkers and all the course markings are cleared. Between those hours, you will need to access or leave the island via Breach Inlet and Sullivan’s Island. Here’s the official website with all the info. And here’s the race’s very helpful and comprehensive Facebook page. So have some healthy Oktoberfest fun and a Connector Run on the Isle. And remember to contact Exclusive Properties for the best beach rentals Charleston. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger