You won’t find many more beautiful backdrops for a race than the Isle of Palms Beach Run. The annual race is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 at Front Beach by The Windjammer.
The IOP Beach Run, presented by the City of Isle of Palms and coordinated by the IOP Recreation Department, has been running since 1998. About 400 people participated in the 2023 event and they anticipate anywhere between 300-450 participants this year, which has been the average turnout, according to IOP Rec Department Recreation Supervisor Aaron Sweet.
The 5K and 10K races, along with the 5K walk, will begin at 8 a.m. while the Youth Fun Runs start at 8:30 a.m. All events are held entirely on the beach at low tide. The start and finish lines are located on the beach behind The Windjammer. For the 10K, the halfway turnaround point will be around 56th Avenue.
The Youth Fun Runs differ in length depending upon the ages of the children participating. They include a 100-yard dash for ages 4 and under, a half-mile for ages 5-8 and a 1-mile race for youth 9-14. The Youth Fun Runs head in the opposite direction of the 5K and 10K and have volunteers stationed at flags to monitor the run and ensure every kids’ safety. Entry is $10 and each child receives a T-shirt, a ribbon and a free ice cream coupon redeemable at TCBY in Mount Pleasant Town Centre, according to Sweet. All runners and walkers will be timed. An awards ceremony will be held behind The Windjammer immediately following the conclusion of the Youth Fun Runs to recognize overall male and female winners and the top two male and female runners in each age category.
Sweet said that what sets this race apart from others in the area is its longevity and the unique setting. “During low tide on the beach and early morning, there’s not too many of those around.” He added that it’s more low-key and less crowded than some other local runs. “It’s not a huge, overwhelming event.”
Parking will be available in the IOP Municipal Parking Lot B on Pavilion Drive. Parking passes will be included in the pre-registered race packets or provided race day morning at Lot B.
“We’re hoping for a good turnout and good weather,” added Sweet.
To register, visit raceroster.com or swing by the IOP Rec Center.
By Colin McCandless
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