The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) will once again partner with Save the Light to host their annual half marathon and 5K, on Saturday, Feb. 8 on Folly Beach. Registration is open through Feb. 5.
This race supports the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse (pictured) by Save the Light, a grassroots non-profit organization formed in 2000 to save the lighthouse from being lost to the sea. Both the half marathon and 5K races are USATF-certified and start and finish near the Folly Beach Pier. The half marathon is open to ages 10 and up; the 5K is open to runners and walkers ages 8 and up. Registered chaperones are required for ages 15 and under. Both races begin at 8 a.m.
“Save the Light is such a beautiful way to celebrate community and preservation through movement," said Charleston County Parks Fitness and Wellness Manager Allison Foster. We will make progress individually and communally, one stride at a time, one step at a time, be it a goal for fitness, for preservation or both."
Registration is available at CharlestonCountyParks.com. Race-day registration is not available. Fees are $65 for the half marathon and $45 for the 5K. Following the race, awards will be presented and food will be provided for participants.
“Each year that passes makes the upcoming 5K and half-marathon seem more and more like a reunion with old friends renewing their ties through smiles and miles,” said Save the Light Board Member Richard Beck. “Save The Light and Charleston County Parks want to welcome you and thank you for participating, whether you are enjoying your first or your twenty third run on Folly.”
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking. Packet pick-up will be available at The Tides Hotel on Friday, Feb. 7 from 4-7 p.m., and on race day, Saturday, Feb. 8, from 6:30-7:30 a.m. As part of their ongoing partnership, The Tides Hotel will continue to offer group rooms for race participants, subject to availability. Guests can contact The Tides Hotel directly at 888-528-0730 for more information and reference the Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K.
Water stations will be available on the course, but pre-filled, personal water bottles are highly recommended. Pets are not allowed on the course. Participants ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information on the race or accessibility, or to view course maps, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Save the Light, Inc. purchased the Morris Island Lighthouse from its previous owner in 1999, and then transferred ownership to the state of South Carolina through a lease agreement. Save the Light retains responsibility for planning, engineering, fundraising and execution of all aspects of the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse. For more information on the Save the Light organization and the Morris Island Lighthouse, visit SaveTheLight.org.
