The 44th Cooper River Bridge Run is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday with a smaller-than-normal crowd of runners.
This year’s event is the first in-person Bridge Run held since April 6, 2019. The event planned for 2020 was changed to a virtual run because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers imposed a lower-than-usual cap on the total number of runners and walkers for this year’s 10K event, limiting the total to 25,000 from its usual 40,000. That means more than a third fewer people will “Get Over It” in this year’s event, a reference to the iconic 2.5 mile Arthur Ravenel Bridge that serves as part of the course.
All of the individual registrations for the 25,000 in-person spots sold out.
Watch live coverage of the 44th Annual Cooper River beginning at 8 a.m. on the air, online and in the Live 5 News app.
Share your Cooper River Bridge Run selfie!
You can upload your photos from the start line, the finish line or even during the race. Click below to upload your selfies as you “Get Over It” in this year’s Cooper River Bridge Run.
Coronavirus Protocols
In an effort to limit potential spread of coronavirus, the field has been restricted to only 25,000 runners this year. Typically, the race has over 40,000 participants. Start wave groupings also are being cut in half.
Many other COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Chiefly, all runners will be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before the race, and must wear a mask except when actually running the race.
Additionally, there will be handwashing stations along the race route for participants, staff and volunteers. Volunteers will be required to wear masks while along the route.
Street Closures
Police will begin closing down streets in preparation for the race Friday night at 10 p.m., starting with portions of George Street and Meeting Street.
Between midnight and 5 a.m. Saturday, police will close several additional streets in Charleston and Mount Pleasant along and near the race route, including both sides of the Ravenel Bridge.
Officials hope to have all roads reopened by 11 a.m. on the Mount Pleasant side, with a target of no later than 2 p.m. on the Charleston side.
Mount Pleasant’s primary closure is Coleman Blvd. from Chuck Dawley Blvd. to the bridge. Detours will be in place for U.S. Hwy. 17 traffic during the race.
Charleston closures will include:
- Calhoun Street from Meeting to Anson Street
- Calhoun Street from King Street to East Bay Street
- George Street from East Bay Street to Anson Street
- Anson Street from Calhoun Street to Society Street
- Alexander Street from Charlotte Street to George Street
- Charlotte Street from Elizabeth Street to Meeting Street
- Henrietta Street from Elizabeth Street to Meeting Street
- Elizabeth Street from Calhoun Street to Charlotte Street
- Meeting Street from John Street to Wentworth Street
