Winter, spring runs in that will make you want to lace up your shoes
By Lezlie Patterson
Special to Go Columbia
The start of Sunday's Race for a Soldier half-marathon gets underway in Gig Harbor. LEE GILES III/Staff photographer
McClatchy News Network
File photo
Before Columbia gets too famously hot, runners can take advantage of the cooler temperatures with a number of winter and early spring races.
“Columbia and the Midlands offer a lot of events during this time,” said Jordan Lybrand, chief operating officer for Strictly Running. “There is plenty to pick from.”
Runners can go long with the Run Hard Columbia Marathon or the 15K Long Run – longer with the 200-mile Palmetto200 relay – or participate in any number of shorter runs. That includes sprinting through parks, jogging through downtown Columbia or forming a team for a relay to Charleston.
Here is a sampling of Columbia area runs scheduled through March.
Long Run
15K, 15K relay, 5K, Kids Fun Run
WHEN: 7:45 a.m. start Saturday, Feb. 4
WHERE: Downtown Columbia
WORTH NOTING: Over the past two years, the MGC Long Run has raised more than $55,000 for the USO South Carolina. The races will be followed by a family-friendly party at the First Citizens Courtyard, Main and Lady streets.
WORTH NOTING: Held in memory of Carol Knizek. Find a friend and register as a relay team (each participant runs 2 miles), or complete the 4 miles individually.
WORTH NOTING: Run in a costume to get into the Mardi Gras spirit, and enjoy beer donated by River Rat brewery at the finish line. For an additional $5, your dog can join you. Proceeds go from your dog to Midlands Animal Mission.
