Outstanding Well Organized…read moreGreat people to meet like Mrs. Kat T -she goes out of to help anyone and she can recognize old Asian Indian thick acccent touched by all the gestures Lot of music lot of walk and run It was not easy if you are first timer people have been doing 7 or 9 or 10 years All great groups can add the pictures- touched by all the gestures they keep the board for 4 mile mark, 5 mile mark and 6 mile mark Marcy could understand on day 1 on the phone to get me into the race

If you've never done this run, you're missing out. I've participated a few times and it's always a…read moregood time. The expo is cool to check out some local businesses and the freebies are always nice while picking up your race bib and bag of goodies. The run itself is pulled off really well for the size of the run and the amount of participants each year. My only complaint is I wish it was a little more consistent in the corrals with runners versus walkers. Someone may choose to sign up as a runner but decide to walk the whole thing. Walking portions of it doesn't bother me but it seems like there is a huge stretch of people walking. I wish they would choose to go to the walking section if this is the case. I get it that it's a tough run at parts, but it would be nice if people go to the side instead of walking next to a bunch of other walkers. It's hard to weave in and out when you're trying to keep the pace you want. Sometimes you just have to stop because there's no way to get through. At points it's nice to keep going, because once you stop, it takes a bit to get that drive to run at the pace you were, at least for me it did. The festival in Marion Square is a good time to unwind after the 10k. There's a ton of vendors, food, and water/drinks to get you hydrated. Oh and I love that they are now giving out finisher medals. It's nice to have a little trophy of sorts to remember the accomplishment of this run. I hope they keep that up for future runs. I would definitely run it again. All in all it's a great event for the community.

I ran the half in 2017 (signed up for the full in '18 but got sick on race weekend). I would have…read moreto say that the half was better. Putting aside the obvious challenges of running twice as far in a full, the views and course were more mundane. The two races share the course for half of the race, but the extra half in the full seemed less scenic. More kind of marshy stuff with open roads, not the live oak lined trees and Spanish moss. It's a flat race but there are a lot, a lot of turns. The paved trail winds through some neighborhoods and the trail architect seemed to get a kick out of looping the road around every single possible tree. Could have cut the turns down from 4,000 to 2,000 by utilizing a straighter path. Of course, the turns are fun on a bike, but not so much when running. The last two years have been frigid. In fact, both years were the same weekend as a winter storm a couple of hours north. Not sure what is it about this weekend that brings the worst weather, but prepare for low 40s with rain or mid 60's and sun. Lovely race!

There are a few marathon/half marathons offered in/around Charleston and since this one is hosted…read moreby Kiawah I always feel like it should the fanciest of the fancy. I've done this race for 3 years in a row now (because my friends are peer pressure-ers) and I'm not sad about it. Perks: -I can get to Kiawah in an hour. That's not too bad considering I've flown to other cities to run. -Over 40 years of experience = well oiled machine. -Family experiences before/during the race. -A buffet after the race. -A pre-race INSIDE waiting space. -Day of packet pickup. Let me repeat that last one for those in the back.. A pre-race INSIDE waiting space. Because standing outside in December/winter when it's cold/windy/rainy (as it tends to be at the start of the race in the last 3 years) REALLY SUCKS, even in temperate Charleston. What doesn't suck? Being inside where it's warm and where there are toilets and plenty of open space for making a Megan-rito and taking a pre-race nap. Yes, yes, I've done this. #NotSorry Cons: -It takes me an hour to get there+traffic+shuttle time for off-island parking. Sob. That's a 0430 wake up time to make it to the island to take the shuttle and then usually 1.5+ hours of waiting before the 0800 start time (but again, INSIDE waiting space, sooo fine). -Cold food from the buffet is not my idea of post-race delicacies. Truthfully, I just want a store bought blueberry muffin and a bottle of water. -It's the same course every year. -There are some narrow parts of the course which cause bottlenecks, this is, of course, after the marathoners and half marathoners are back together and it's stressful. -You cannot pick up someone else's race packet. This sucks because Kiawah is NOT convenient to get to. Day-of pickup is available, but where do you put your stuff? Gear check is such a drag. -Limited packet pick up options. Last year, I think, was the first year that off-island packet pickup was offered, which still didn't matter because my non-Charleston running friends still had to wait until the night before or day of to get their packets, so why bother? So for a local, it's not a bad race to participate in. If you're not local, it's probably more of a one-and-done type of race.

***NOTE: As of the 2018 race, the Charleston Marathon is under new management***…read more 2017 was another great year for the Charleston Marathon. The City of Charleston and City of North Charleston are embracing this race more each year. The big change I noticed was that the expo was moved to the North Charleston Colosseum. It's a no-frills expo, but picking up my packet went smoothly and you can pick up last-minute needs like Gu. The route was well marked and the water stop volunteers, pacers, and race staff were wonderful. Both water and gatorade are offered on the course. The last few miles of the half marathon were a little lonely for me after the full marathoners turned off at mile 9.5. The finish line party was amazing as usual- I talked to runners from other states and they assured us, Charleston Marathon-ers know how to party. The bands played until later in the afternoon and the beer tent was great even for those who finished the marathon in the early afternoon hours. Keep up the great work, Charleston Marathon!

All in all, the Charleston Marathon offers a solid, albeit no frills type of experience…read more This was my first full marathon (I mean, everyone else was doing it so why not? Kids, don't give in to peer pressure), and I did some homework before signing up for this race so I pretty much knew what to expect. As others have mentioned, the course is not all that spectacular. The first few miles are quite scenic and showcase Charleston quite well as you run along the Battery and the touristy portion of King Street. Then, however, you run up the rest of King Street (which I still love especially with the revitalization going on but understand why others may not) and proceed ultimately into North Charleston. Along the way, there are some other spots of eye candy as you run out onto a marina and along a few waterways. However, there are also a lot of drab spots that really don't speak to the essence of Chucktown. The good news is that you barely notice this if you're simply trying to survive as I was... Also as noted by others, there are a few out and back spots which are kind of a bummer since it adds repetition and puts you in contact with peeps who are way ahead of you in the race and looking strong, graceful, and beautiful as you struggle to keep your breakfast from taking a trip up North. Getting away from the Debbie Downer vibes, let's focus on some of the positives, shall we? First off, the expo/packet pick up was a breeze. Plenty of parking and you could get in and out easily. Yes, the expo didn't have a ton of freebies, epic guest speakers, or any other type of top shelf craziness, but that was more than ok with me. I didn't need those types of perks, I just needed a solid shirt (which I did get) and my race bib. Similarly, race morning was smooth. There was a ton of parking (once you got through race traffic) and plenty of port a potties at the start line (avoid the inside bathrooms since the lines were insanely long). Again, getting to the race site and to the starting area on race day morning was a no stress experience which is truly invaluable (especially for your first marathon!). The course itself (as you would imagine and others have mentioned) was almost disgustingly flat. However, I honestly chose this race as my marathon debut for that very reason, and do not think I would have survived if not for the lack of elevation change! Given the vertically challenged nature of the course, peeps can come here and expect fast times. Along the course, I felt that the volunteers/dancers/musicians were amazing! They seriously provided this struggling dude with some major motivation at points. For a small race only in its fourth year, I think the race organizers did an admirable job with the support staff they had in place. Once you cross the finish line and pretend like you're not going to collapse, you get awarded with a very handsome medal and free shrimp and grits. Like some others, my GI tract was in no mood for seafood or creaminess so I deferred. I did indulge a little bit in some free beer and in the general festivities of the finish line area, however. I do believe Park Circle is a spectacular spot to have the post race festivities as that area does showcase a part of the greater Charleston area that not everyone is familiar with but should be! All in all, I was pleased with how this event was put together and executed, and sincerely hope to see it continue to grow and improve in the years to come!

This is a beautiful county park with walking trails, a dog park, and horseback riding trails…read more Recently they put in a full 18 hole disc golf course and it is amazing! Check out this peaceful, lovely park.

Had the most wickedly delightful time doing archery today. Johns Island County Park host intro…read moreclasses, family archery, and senior sessions. The program leaders were stellar as well with their teaching, guidance, and humor. They provide the materials, so no need to BYOB (bring your own bow) but after today I'm considering to get one haha and seeking out more archery opportunities! As soon as you get there, they go over the safety rules and how to hold your bow with methods on pulling back and aiming. I felt such strength to pull the bow using my back muscles, to see the arrow shoot so fast. I loved the power of the release and hearing the sound of arrow pierce the target. There's several targets with each one set according to yardage so you can either start ambitiously or work your way up. The instructors also gave us some balloons to work with to try to aim for, that was entertaining. For safety purposes they command when to retrieve arrows, and while aiming we are to remain behind the concrete lines to ensure safety. For only $20 to unleash your inner Katniss Everdeen, it's worth it! My only complaint was I wish the course lasted longer!! The park also has a 3D archery range to which you practice on fake animals. 10/10 would recommend!

Harmon Field on President Street in Charleston is a great series of athletic fields that are fun to…read moreplay on and well maintained. There is plenty of room to run around here on the 13 acres and get some fresh air. This is a good place to come most parts of the day as one of the fields seems to be open and available. I have had a really good experience coming here over the years.

The Washout is the best place in the Charleston area and perhaps all of South Carolina to surf. It…read moreoffers probably the most consistent break in the state, and because of such plays host regularly to several surf competitions including the Wahine Classic and the Governor's Cup. Even if you aren't a surfer, the Washout is a fun place to observe and soak up the atmosphere. Because there is such a draw, parking can be a challenge.

The Washout itself deserves five stars, but I take one away due to the parking situation now. I…read moregrew up going here as a laid back surf spot and now it seems to be a pain, and I usually go elsewhere on the beach now. The machine only takes $1, $5, or $10 in cash and does not return any change. The rate is $3 an hour and you then get a ticket to place in your dash. I did actually learn from an out of towner that there is an app that can be downloaded called Passport Parking. It offers a discounted rate, but is still $2.50 an hour. I think the rate is a deterrent IMO, but I guess the city of Folly Beach has to generate revenue somehow. At high tide, there is not a lot of beach area, but after the renourishments, there is some beach at least. Do not climb across the rocks! Use the crosswalks instead and save the sea oats...the few that still exist. Also, do not litter! There are trash receptacles scattered along the beach, usually at crosswalks, but pack your stuff in and out like an adult. This location is locally named for the strong currents and the fact that the narrow land has actually been washed out. After Hurricane Hugo, a lot of effort went into re-creating the road and beach that exists today. It was completely washed through to the River with a drop off of probably 20-30 feet where the road should have been. The name was used way prior to Hugo, but that event just embodies the vulnerability of the area and the potential impact of the wonderful surf/waves that we all love. Pura Vida!

The Cooper River Bridge Pedestrian and Bike Path is still one of the best places to run, walk, or…read morecycle in Charleston. I feel safe running or walking at all times of the day. The path is well-lit for night runs, and several emergency call boxes have been added in the last few years. No matter the weather, bridge exercisers are hardcore. You can run or walk the bridge anytime, so no need to wait for the annual Cooper River Bridge Run. You should participate at least once, though- it's a good bucket list item. Mayor Joe Riley championed this path when the Cooper River Bridge was being built in the early 2000s, and it's quite an asset to the Charleston health and fitness community. Get out to the bridge and exercise while the weather is nice!

This was one of my favorite spots while I lived in Charleston. I used to go here several times a…read moreweek and walk or run the 5 miles on the bridge down and back. It's best to park at the circle K on the Mount Pleasant side. Beautiful views. I used to always see dolphins playing in the water. Sunrise and sunset is obviously gorgeous.

An awesome place that is pure nature with miles of hiking, biking trails. Wildlife from gators,…read morebobcats, deer, Fox, ospreys, snakes and hawks. A ton of old growth trees and access to the Back river via canoe or kayak only.

The only reason it's not 5 stars is b/c of the restrictions required: NO CIVILIANS UNDER 18 years…read moreold, period! Civilians need to get a Patron Pass from the Outdoor Rec Center ($10 for 6 months) and it takes about 2 weeks to get verified (background checks). Other than that, great trails!