The Cooper River Bridge Run is a staple event here in Charleston. It is a 10k race that starts in Mount Pleasant and then finishes in Marion Square in downtown Charleston. This year is the 40th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run and I am pumped to be a part of it. I know most people hate running, but as it says on the website of the Bridge Run: "It's not a race, it's an experience." You're running alongside 40,000 new friends and there's live music to keep you motivated. The biggest motivating factor for me, however, are the post-race deals at bars and restaurants.
The post-race proceedings are the reason why I have run the race for the past 3 years. Marion Square has a bunch of free food at your disposal, but the bars and restaurants also have special deals to reward you for exercising that early on a Saturday morning. This is my first year being 21 at the time of the race, so I am pumped to reward myself with a few beverages after the race. Spoiler: it won't be Gatorade.
1. Bridge Run After Party at Bay Street Biergarten
Trust me when I say this, Bay Street Biergarten knows how to throw a party. I attended their Backstreet Brunch Party a few weeks ago and it was awesome, so I have high expectations for the Bridge Run After Party. The party will start at 10 am and they will be equipped with a Bloody Mary Bar, mimosas, discounted beers, and a full brunch buffet. The Bloody Marys are only $5 and you can enjoy the brunch buffet for $18 per person and $14 for kids. These aren't your everyday Bloody Marys, you will get your drink from the Mega Bloody Mary, which is 32 gallons (yeah, gallons) of Charleston Bloody Mary Mix and Dixie Vodka.
2. The Finish Line is at Fish
Fish is starting the party early and opening its doors at 9 am. Make sure to get there quick, because the first 40 runners in the door get free mini bottles of Chandon Brut. They are giving the people what they want by offering $12 bottomless mimosas and $3 Bloody Marys. They are also offering a featured Bridge Run plate "The Gold Medal Grain Bowl." If you're looking for a more indulgent option, they are also serving their full bar menu.
3. After Party at the Alley
Hurry over to the Alley after the Bridge Run to claim a $25 gift card if you're the first one in the door. Even if you're not first, you're not necessarily last because the first 50 runners get a mini bottle of Charleston Mix Bloody Mary Mix. Once you're inside, you can enjoy a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar and their full menu. While you indulge, you can challenge your friends to your pick of arcade games or bowling.
4. The Macintosh
The Instagram says it all folks: head over to the Macintosh for burgers, beer and brats after the Bridge Run. I will definitely be thinking about sinking my teeth into a juicy burger and sipping on a cold beer to motivate myself to finish the race.
5. Republic
Republic is known for their awesome patio, which is the perfect space to celebrate after the Bridge Run. Their doors will open at 9 am and they are offering a brunch buffet for $15. There will also be live music all day, so it's guaranteed to be a good time.
6. O-Ku
O-Ku is serving up all your post-run sushi cravings starting at 11 am. I don't know why I have never thought of putting sriracha in a Bloody Mary, but now I'm pumped to try one. If you start to feel tired because you just ran 6.2 frickin' miles (woo), the sriracha will perk you right up.
7. The Brick
Pictured above is what I hope to be doing post Bridge Run at the Brick. Their doors open at 10 am and there will be live music and a Bloody Mary bar. They're also serving $5 Tito's all day, which is a dream. If you want to keep the party going, stick around for their Fire Party starting at 8 pm. The Fire Party will raise money for the Burn Children's Fund benefiting pediatric burn patients and their families. The Brick is passionate about this cause because their original restaurant along with Squeeze, Speakeasy, and Light burnt down on East Bay Street on April 1, 2013. So get out there and party for a good cause, people.
8. Luau at Mellow Mushroom
Join the fun at Mellow Mushroom at 9 am so you can help them pass out leis to the runners. After you finish running or tossing out the leis, you can head inside for live music, $3 select domestic beers, and $4 Tiki Cocktails. I think a Tiki Cocktail will be the first thing I want when I finish the race.
9. Eleve Restaurant & Rooftop
There's no better way to reward yourself after running than with bottomless mimosas for... wait for it.. only $12. They are serving up their bottomless mimosas, $19 Moet Mini bottles, and $3 Miller Lite from 12-3 on their beautiful rooftop. Soak up the sun, indulge, and relax, 'cause Eleve has your post-Bridge Run needs covered.
10. Bridge Run Recovery Party at Charleston Beer Works
Beer Works will be featuring a special Bridge Run menu, which I hope will feature some of their bomb brunch sandwiches. To wash down their tasty food, they're offering $3 PBR and Coors Light bullets. PBR is basically water, so they're helping you hydrate properly.