The James Island Connector Run (JICR) provides one of the most scenic race routes in the Southeast and one of the most challenging courses in the Lowcountry! Overlooking the beautiful Ashley River and the historic downtown peninsula of Charleston, this new route-new distance 8K Run and 5K Run/Walk goes across the James Island Connector from the James Island side of the river, staying on the connector with no exit ramps. The post-race festival will include a finishers medal, and food at the finish line. The race starts at 8:00 am for both distances, runners and walkers.
Awards: Top finisher awards as well as 3 deep in all age groups and a NEW Walkers award: top 3 Male and Female walkers.
The James Island Connector Run benefits the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation, and the Charleston Animal Society.
Gavalas Konanko Foundation is a local charity that awards scholarships to lowcountry students with physical disabilities. To date, GKF has awarded 248 scholarships at College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, The Citadel, Clemson University Restoration Institute, Trident Technical College and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
The Charleston Animal Society has been protecting animals since 1874 with the common goal where all healthy and treatable animals are saved. It’s a vision all people and animals are treated with respect and kindness. It envisions a world where cruelty is not tolerated. The CAS also provides volunteers for the JICR and other races. We appreciate their support and enthusiasm on the course!
The Charleston Running Club has been hosting this event since 2019. After 20 years of the James Island Connector Run raising funds for the Gavalas Kolanko Foundation, the Charleston Running Club is proud to continue this great tradition for an amazing cause!
Since 1977, the Charleston Running Club has been promoting running in the local community. Early on, the club was instrumental in starting two of the area’s largest races, the Cooper River Bridge Run and the Kiawah Marathon. Members of the club’s leadership currently serve on the board of the Cooper River Bridge Run. The Charleston Running Club hosts two more fundraising races: the Charlie Post Classic 15K/5K in January and the Floppin’ Flounder 5K in June.
The Charleston Running Club is a 100% volunteer operated club for the purpose of the promotion, encouragement, organization and education of running and running activities for sport, recreation, competition and health in the local community.
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Over the bridge and back
Supports a very worthy cause here in Charleston, which motivates many people to participate. Only time when the bridge is closed for running, and provides great views. For the 10K, … MORE
Supports a very worthy cause here in Charleston, which motivates many people to participate. Only time when the bridge is closed for running, and provides great views. For the 10K, its over the bridge with its 3 hills and back again. There is a 5K option for those who only want to run it once.
Scenic local race
The JICR is one of the most beautiful but most difficult courses in Charleston. The views are incredible and the race production improves each year. They have recently started giving … MORE
The JICR is one of the most beautiful but most difficult courses in Charleston. The views are incredible and the race production improves each year. They have recently started giving finisher’s medals, which is a nice touch for a 5K and 10K. The post race party has lots of refreshments as well as free beer, and the age group awards are very nice each year. The overall winners receive money which brings a lot of faster runners out.
It is harder than the Cooper River Bridge run, course wise, because the course has multiple inclines and is all run on the connector, which is a hard surface. However, the race is open to all, including stroller runners, those with dogs, and it is walker friendly. The 5K is point to point with a bus that returns you to the start, and the 10K is an out and back.
I would highly recommend this race because it is one of my favorites in Charleston. It’s not a PR course, but it is beautiful and a great race to use for training if you have a hilly race coming up.