A lot of people commit to changing their bad habits and getting into shape as a New Year’s Resolution. Although gyms remain limited, and some even closed, the great outdoors are always open for business. An excellent way to get into shape and to stay motivated while doing so is to set your sites on a running competition. Even if the virus continues to loom over the next several months, likely, outdoor running events will still be a-go. So, pick a realistic event to train for, strap on your shoes, and hit the pavement to train for these fun runs in the Summerville area.

Chilly Bean 5k & 10k – Beaufort, SC

Join fellow South Carolinians as they walk, jog, or run the waterfront of Lady’s Island, SC on February 6th, 2021. The course is flat and fast, so get your running shoes warmed up and ready. A family-friendly event, get the whole family on board – strollers, families, and pets are all welcomed. This is a perfect race for someone just entering the running circuit, or for a family-fun day. Once more, a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry going toward providing scholarships for those in need.

2021 Hopeful Horizons Race4Love 5k & Walk4Love Candlelight Walk – Beaufort, SC

An entirely new event, the Walk4Love candlelight walk will be held to honor domestic abuse survivors and it will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021, in the downtown area of Beaufort, SC. The course is designated as a flat and fast course, so you don’t have to endure the peaks and valleys of a hill run. The course runs through the neighborhoods of Cat Island and Sanctuary Golf Course. For someone who has a little marathon experience under their belt, it is a USATF Certified course that will give you credits if you want to take your competition to a higher level.

Sawmill Branch Trail Women’s Empowerment 5k – Summerville, SC

Although the Summerville area is one of the safest places in South Carolina, the Sawmill Branch has had a couple of incidents that have made women uneasy. So, as a community, a petition was signed with over 3,000 names to make the trail safer. On March 6, 2021, at 9 am, men and women can take part in a 5k race that will start at Hutchinson Square and go to the trail. There will be roadblocks up to keep everyone safe. Come out and join fellow Summerville residents who are committed to keeping Summerville the safest place around!

Cornerstone 5k – Bluffton, SC

Run with fellow South Carolinians through Old Town Bluffton to raise money for an amazing cause. The 5k will be held on March 20, 2021, starting at the Cornerstone Church and winding through the Historical Old Town of Bluffton. Whether you are looking to run or walk, all are invited to this friendly event. It is stroller and dog-friendly and there is an after-party with the details to post soon. Come out for the run and stay for the fun, it will make an awesome day trip!

Bandits Bridge Run II – North Charleston, SC

Back for year two thanks to popularity, the Bandits Bridge Run will be held to entertain the entire family. Not just about the competition, it is a day event that will have music, food, drinks, and games galore. The race will run through downtown Charleston and it is brought to you by Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company and the Bandits Social Club. Although beer will be a must for those over 21, all are invited to compete in the event. Come out Sunday, March 28, 2021, and join the community for some fun and exercise.

Getting into shape doesn’t have to be difficult. If you choose a goal to compete and find a local run that speaks to you, it might motivate you to get moving. And most of these events are family and pet-friendly to boot, so you can make it a family-fun time training and competing together.