Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run

From race packet pickup to transportation, this guide covers all the details for navigating the annual Charleston event.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:52am

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The 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, South Carolina is set to take place on March 27, 2026. This guide provides comprehensive information for runners, including details on the race expo, weather conditions, transportation options, bag drop, and the course itself. The race starts near Simmons Street and finishes at Marion Square, with various amenities and entertainment awaiting participants at the finish line festival.

Why it matters

The Cooper River Bridge Run is a beloved annual tradition in Charleston, drawing thousands of runners from across the region. As one of the largest 10K races in the country, the event is a major economic driver for the city, generating significant tourism and revenue. This guide helps ensure runners have a smooth and enjoyable experience, contributing to the event's continued success and the city's vibrant running community.

The details

The race expo will be held at the Charleston Area Convention Center, with packet pickup available on Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Race day shuttles will run between Charleston and Mount Pleasant, with pickup locations at Harris Teeter in Mount Pleasant and Gadsdenboro Street in downtown Charleston. Overnight parking is available at several garages. The race course starts near Simmons Street and Moultrie Middle School, with heat corrals organized by pace. Along the route, runners will find porta-johns, water stations, first aid, and live music to keep the energy high. The race finishes at Marion Square, where a post-race festival with food, entertainment, vendors, and souvenirs awaits.

  • The race expo will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from noon to 8 p.m. and on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Race day shuttles will run from 5:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. for transportation to the start line, and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for return transportation from downtown Charleston.
  • Boat shuttles will depart the Fountain Walk Dock near the SC Aquarium starting at 6:00 a.m., with the final departure at 12:30 p.m.
  • The race will start at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2026, with runners required to be in their corrals by 7:00 a.m.
  • A sweeper bus will begin moving up the bridge at 10:30 a.m. to collect any remaining participants.

The players

Charleston Area Convention Center

The venue hosting the race expo and packet pickup for the 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run.

WCBD

The local news station providing weather forecasts and information for the event.

Moultrie Middle School

The location near the start line of the 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run.

Marion Square

The finish line location for the 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run, where the post-race festival will be held.

Goodwill

The organization that will receive any unclaimed items from the race's bag drop service.

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The takeaway

The 2026 Cooper River Bridge Run is a well-organized and community-focused event that provides runners of all levels with a unique and memorable experience. From the scenic course to the lively post-race festivities, this guide ensures participants can navigate the weekend with ease and fully enjoy the excitement of this beloved Charleston tradition.