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Where to do some carbo-loading before and after this weekend’s Cooper River Bridge Run

Melissa Haneline
The Post and Courier

Sarah Bates
The Post and Courier

Bi-Lo employee Malissa Snyder hands oranges to Gem Malone (left) to toss to participants of the 30th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run at Marion Square after they finished the run.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: This Cooper River Bridge Run thing is a fad.

Sure it's gone on for 31 years and sure every year it draws more than 30,000 people to the Lowcountry, but I'm telling you, one day, everybody's going to come to their senses and say: "Wait a minute, why am I paying $25 to run 6.2 miles with a bunch of strangers at 8 in the morning?"

But until that day comes, it's up to the rest of us to try to find a positive in the fact that thousands of selfish people are doing exercise and making us normal, lazy folks feel terrible. My vote: We focus on the parties surrounding the Bridge Run. Because let's face it: When you have this many high-energy people in town, you're bound to have some crazy parties going on.

And if you don't believe me, check out one of these throwdowns for yourself.

10th annual Bridge Run Show

Where: Blue Bicycle Books

Address: 420 King St.

When: Tonight, 7:30.

It all started with a short story in his living room. The night before the '99 Cooper River Bridge Run, local writer Jonathan Sanchez read a tale he had written about a psychiatric patient who taunted his therapist throughout the Bridge Run. Oddly enough, his friends demanded more and in the years that followed he continued the tradition, slowly gaining a bigger and bigger following with Bridge Run-related stories about architects, waitresses and bootleggers. There's no telling what he has up his sleeve this year, but be sure to stop in and enjoy some wine, Power Bars and what is sure to be another bizarre story.

"I Slept Through the Bridge Run" party

Where: Blind Tiger Pub

Address: 36/38 Broad St.

WhEn: Friday, 11:30 p.m.-2 a.m.

Nothing says "I'm serious about being out of shape," like the "I Slept Through the Bridge Run" party at the Blind Tiger Pub. For the past 11 years, the bar on Broad Street has hosted the party that is synonymous with gluttony and excess.

The party will feature plenty of drink specials ($3 tequila shots, $5 Tommy Bahama rum drinks, $3 Heinekens), "health" food ($2 corn dogs, $2 sliders, $2 pork cracklin's) and, of course, free cigarettes.

Though it's a hit with the attendees, pub owner Lisa Brown wants to make one thing clear: "I'm not proud of this party. I'm going to do yoga. You guys have fun."

Art's Bar and Grill

Where: 413 Coleman Blvd., Mt. P.

When: Saturday, starting at 6 a.m.

If your idea of a good run is when somebody else is the one doing it, then Art's Bar is the place to be.

Owner Kent Frits insists his bar offers the best view of the participants in the Bridge Run. With a large roadside deck raised several feet off the ground, you can literally watch over the contestants as they run by in their hilarious little running shorts. Enjoy a hot chocolate, coffee or Bloody Mary while shouting cheers (or jeers) of encouragement.

39 Rue de Jean

Where: 39 John St.

When: Saturday, starting around 10 a.m.

If you prefer to see your runners demoralized and tired versus fresh and smiling, then head downtown to 39 Rue de Jean, where you can see contestants in the last mile of their grueling 10K. Sip on bloody Marys and enjoy some brunch (check out www.39ruedejean.com for a complete menu) while being thankful you didn't sign up to abuse your body.

After-run party

Where: Marion Square

When: Saturday, 8:45 a.m.-noon

If you're one of the select few who actually make it to the finish line, you will be rewarded with plenty of food, souvenirs, refreshments and entertainment. Music by Coconut Groove will start at 8:45 a.m. and will last until noon.

Mad River Bar & Grille

Where: 32-B N. Market St.

When: Saturday, starting at 9 a.m.

There's just something delightfully sinful about drinking and listening to live music before noon. If that sounds like your kind of thing, be sure to swing by Mad River Bar & Grille on the Market where they will be offering $5 breakfast sandwiches, $3 mimosas and $2 Michelob Ultras. Music by 2/3 Ways will kick off at 10 a.m.

Bridge Run concert

Where: I'On Westlake Amphitheater

Address: 252 Ponsbury Road, Mt. P.

When: Saturday, 2:30-7:30 p.m.

After you have run your personal best time and had a few beers to celebrate, find a ride over to see some good music in I'On. From 2:30 to 4 p.m., the Tim Hodson Trio will perform, followed by the Blue Dogs who will rock the joint until 7:30 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no coolers. Food and drinks will be for sale. Tickets, which are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, can be purchased at I'On Realty, O'Brion's Pub and Grille or Sweet Olive. For more info, call 881-7541.

Bridge Run beach party

Where: PrimeTime Fitness

Address: 2120 Middle St., Sullivan's Is.

When: Saturday, 3-5 p.m.

If you are a glutton for punishment, after the run, head over to Sullivan's Island for a light workout on the beach where trainer Meredith Nelson will help you disperse the lactic acid in your body. Once you're done, as a reward, head inside for some champagne, wine, cheese and fresh fruit presented by WineDineWine. The cost is $25 for members and $35 nonmembers. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 810-0088 or e-mailing winedinewine@comcast.net.

Pub Crawl 2008

Where: Behind Saffron, 333 East Bay St.

When: Saturday, 6 p.m.

For the past 17 years, local attorney Chuck Magera has swapped out his suit and tie for a pair of running shorts and a cold Miller Lite. Magera, who is a hasher (which means he literally drinks alcohol while he runs), has organized the annual post-Cooper River Bridge Run pub crawl that many have come to enjoy.

Though he's all for people having a good time, he says the most important thing is that nobody drinks and drives.

"We want people to organize a ride home before they show up," he said. "It ruins everybody's day if somebody goes to jail. Especially the person who goes to jail."

You don't have to sign up in advance for the pub crawl. Simply show up at 6 p.m. behind Saffron with $25 and your game face on.

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