Thousands of people gather annually in Charleston to participate its world-class 10-K run/walk over the Cooper River. This is the second year the new Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge will be used, spanning 2.5 miles in length and 200 feet high. As I was gathering information on the event to post to our site, I ran across some interesting facts… like did you know the race was created to promote continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle? In retrospect, it completely makes sense… but, it’s quite nice to know that the Charleston region is encouraging such behavior. In fact, the Cooper River Bridge Run ’serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world’ with objectives to:

• increase interest in cardiovascular exercise in the community.
• raise funds for public education on the importance of exercise.
• generate a spirit of community involvement and volunteerism.

It’s wonderful to watch so many people from around the world ‘exercise’ for a worthy cause. I, myself, am a runner but am either to scarred or claustrophobic to tackle the bridge. Regardless, I’m in luck… the Charleston region is full of inspiring trails, roads and paths, all of which are surrounded by the beauty of our natural environment. So whether you prefer to walk along the water, take a stroll down historic roads or run across cable-drawn bridges, you’ve come to the right place.

photo credit: Post and Courier

Join the Sustainability Institute for the first Green Village Tour! The tour is a family-friendly 3.1-mile run/walk open to the public, which will highlight all of the sustainable projects and activities happening in Park Circle and Olde North Charleston. Proceeds benefit The Sustainability Institute. The race begins near the Green House on East Montague Ave, and ends at 10 Storehouse Row at the Navy Yard at Noisette. Along the way, exhibits will showcase sustainable sites, and biodiesel-run buses will take runners back to their cars. The race will be officially timed by Action Carolina, prizes will be awarded in all age categories and race t-shirts will be provided to all participants. Race begins at 9:00am on Saturday, April 21st, 2007.

For more information, to donate or register, please visit the website at www.sustainabilityinstitutesc.org

Here’s the route map…

As part our effort to report on “inspired” events being held in the region, we wanted to highlight an upcoming event at The Navy Yard at Noisette. This sounds like a great program….a lunch lecture featuring nationally reknowned transportation engineers Wilbur Smith Associates discussing future plans for our region. Here’s the scoop…kudos to Noisette and the Navy Yard for setting this up.

Wednesday, April 11th, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
10 Storehouse Row Event Space, 2120 Noisette Blvd
(parking located across the street)

Transportation Options for the Charleston Region
with Jenny Humphreys, AICP, Wilbur Smith Associates

Join us for our April lunch lecture featuring transportation engineers and Navy Yard at Noisette tenants Wilbur Smith Associates discussing the land use/transportation relationship in Charleston, and specifically, future plans for commuter rail and public transportation. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of transportation planning and hear updates on current local issues.

Take your lunch break at 10 Storehouse Row and meet and mingle with some of the nearly 2,000 employees, artisans and students at the Navy Yard! Visit the Upcoming Events section on the Navy Yard website (www.navyyardsc.com) for more information.