Charleston County Parks will host the Chili 5K trail run and walk at Laurel Hill County Park, on Saturday, Nov. 2. Registration is open now through Oct. 30 at CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Beginning at 9 a.m., runners and walkers will navigate the scenic off-road, moss-draped trails of Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant. The property offers a variety of landscapes throughout its 745 acres, including miles of unpaved trails that traverse a moss-draped oak allee, large open meadows, a small lake and gorgeous tree-lined pathways.
After crossing the finish line, participants are invited to join a post-race party featuring hot chili and a variety of tasty refreshments. An awards ceremony will be held for the Chili 5K as well as for Charleston County Parks’ 5K Trail Run/Walk Series Championship.
New this year is the Chili Kids Dash. After the 5K, Charleston County Parks invites children ages 3-7 of all abilities to dash across the finish, too. Registration for the kids dash is a separate fee of $5 and includes a finisher medal. The kids dash is untimed and parent or guardian must be present.
“The Chili 5K presents one of the most diverse courses in the Lowcountry,” said Allison Foster, CCPRC’s fitness and wellness manager. “It’s difficult to take in all that Laurel Hill offers, much less appropriately describe the immense beauty of the park with words. It’s a must see!”
The course features trails of a natural, unimproved surface. The course is a loop course that offers occasional areas of uneven terrain and varies from hard-packed trails with roots to grass. Strollers are not recommended, and pets are not permitted on the race course. This race is open to runners and walkers of all levels, including beginners. No accessible parking is available. Accessible port-a-let is available at the event site. Water stations will be available on the course.
Laurel Hill County Park is located between Highway 17N and Highway 41 in Mount Pleasant. For the Chili 5K, attendees must enter through the special event entrance location at 1400 Highway 41. Access through Park West will not be permitted for this event.
For more information on the Chili 5K or Laurel Hill County Park, or to register or view a map of the race course, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386. This event is presented by Stretch Zone, The Foot Store, Limehouse Produce and Fit Body Boot Camp, and also supported by Marine Warehouse Center and your Charleston County Parks.
