Take a ‘foam bath’ on way to finish line in this Columbia road race
Running through Saluda Shoals Park can be fun, with glimpses of the Saluda River, wildlife, lots of nature and bubbles.
Well, at least Saturday, July 16 there will be bubbles. Lots of colorful bubbles.
The Bubble Run is the finale of a summer series of running events at Saluda Shoals Park that have gimmicks – making them more of a party with a run included.
“The ‘running’ theme for these types of races is to have fun while being active and to encourage people who wouldn’t typically participate in a 5K to get out there,” said Grayson Hopp, Columbia Regional Sports Council sales manager. “These events bring together friends, family and our community around something positive.”
The Columbia Regional Sports Council and Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission scheduled three “fun” runs this spring and summer.
“Traditional sports are good, they’re very good,” said Ashley Smith, ICRC market development director. “But we’re looking for niches to bring new people to our parks.”
About 5,000 people are expected for the Bubble Run, the first such run in South Carolina.
Participants are asked to wear white t-shirts, which will transform into colorful shirts by the end of the race. Runners will pass through different Foam Bogs on the route, with enough colored foam to cover runners from head to toe. Each of the four bogs features a different color of foam.
Participants slip, slide and laugh their way through the finish line.
The foam is safe for people, wildlife and nature. It’s not slippery. Just fun.
And that’s what a Bubble Run is all about, said Bubble Run director Josh Melver. With no timing, clock or placement awards, it’s an excuse to come out and have fun with friends and family while doing something healthy.
There will be food trucks and a DJ there for fun after the race. Anyone can participate – even if they’re in a stroller or wheelchair.
If you go
Bubble Run
WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, July 16
WHERE: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road
COST: $50; kids ages 4 and under free with paid adult
INFO: www.bubblerun.com/upcoming-locations/columbia-sc
For the calendar: 3 upcoming races
This summer series of “fun” races may be ending, and that means it’s time to start planning for fall: but there are several races planned for the fall:
ST. ANDREWS ROTARY CLUB DAM RUN TO IRMO: Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Lake Murray (Dreher Shoals) dam. The 30th annual event is a 10K run and 6K walk, starting on the Lexington side of the dam and finishing at Saluda Shoals Park. www.strictlyrunning.com/images/16Dam.pdf
RAY TANNER FOUNDATION HOME RUN: Saturday, Oct. 15 at Founder’s Park. This is a premier running and walking event to benefit disadvantaged children and their families through the Ray Tanner Foundation. (Worth noting: They have great race t-shirts for this event!) www.raytannerhomerun.org
WALK FOR LIFE AND FAMOUSLY HOT PINK HALF MARATHON: Saturday, Oct. 22 at Spirit Communications Park. The 26th year of this popular event, which raises funds in the fight against breast cancer, www.palmettohealthfoundation.org