The Cooper River Bridge Run saw a huge turnout this year, as nearly 37,000 people came together to run and walk across one of the most famous routes in Charleston.
The morning was cool and windy, but that did not stop participants from giving their best and enjoying the energetic atmosphere of the 49th edition of this popular race.
Race Day Highlights
The race began with a slight delay of around 10 minutes because shuttle buses carrying runners arrived late at the starting point near Shem Creek. Once everything was set, the event started smoothly.
Participants were released in groups:
- Wheelchair racers started first
- Elite runners followed
- Then the remaining runners and walkers
This helped manage the large crowd and ensured safety throughout the race.
Top Performers of the Race
This year, athletes from different parts of the world delivered impressive performances:
- Fidel Aguilar Zepeda from Mexico won the men’s wheelchair division with a time of about 25 minutes
- Yen Hoang from Illinois secured first place in the women’s wheelchair division
- Edwin Kurgat from Kenya finished first among elite male runners
- Evelyn Kemboi, also from Kenya, topped the elite female category
Both elite winners received a prize of $10,000 each.
Herman Garic still holds the wheelchair division record of 22:34, which he set in 2022.
Race Route and Experience
The race route offers a scenic and exciting experience for participants. It starts in Mount Pleasant and ends at Marion Square.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the route:
| Section | Route Details |
|---|---|
| Start | Near Simmons Street |
| Main Path | Coleman Boulevard |
| Bridge Crossing | Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge |
| City Route | Meeting Street, King Street |
| Finish | Marion Square |
Runners pass through some of Charleston’s most iconic streets, making the event both challenging and enjoyable.
How the Race Has Changed Over Time
The Cooper River Bridge Run has grown massively since it first started in 1978.
Back then:
- Only 766 people participated
- The race was held on the Silas Pearman Bridge
Over the years:
- The route changed multiple times
- It moved to the Grace Memorial Bridge in 1980
- Returned to Silas Pearman Bridge in 1995
- Finally shifted to the modern Ravenel Bridge in 2006
Today, the race attracts tens of thousands of participants from across the world.
Participation and Scale in 2026
The 2026 race included:
- 13 elite male runners
- 11 elite female runners
- 11 wheelchair athletes
- Thousands of general participants
This shows how the event continues to grow in popularity every year.
