Register Now for the 2nd Annual Beaufort Triple Crown
Three 5Ks. Two Months. One Medal.
story by WENDY POLLITZER
The Beaufort Triple Crown presented by Beaufort Memorial is approaching, and time is running out to register! An initiative to encourage runners to participate in three back-to-back races includes a commemorative award unique to this 2nd annual event.
The first leg is the Beaufort Shrimp Festival’s Run Forrest Run 5K to benefit the Beaufort Digital Corridor on October 7th. The second is the Swing Bridge Run to benefit Holy Trinity Classical Christian School on November 4th, and the third and final leg of the Beaufort Triple Crown is the Turkey Trot 5K to benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd. The cost for all three races is $150 with major early registration discounts. Registration includes t-shirts for all three races and distinctive charms given at the conclusion of each race. Additionally, Triple Crown participants will receive a custom medal that holds each distinctive charm at the conclusion of the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.
Anyone who may be unsure about their ability to do a 5K need not worry. Beaufort Memorial hosts couch-to-5K training sessions every week led by LifeFit Wellness Coach Stephen Noble. Not a newcomer to running races, Noble recently finished in the top 300 of 6,000 marathon racers in Minnesota. Get details and sign up for training at BeaufortMemorial.org/TripleCrownTraining.
“We’re thrilled to present the Beaufort Triple Crown, an exciting trilogy of races that brings our community together for a wonderful cause,” explains Jess O’Brien, executive director of the Beaufort Digital Corridor.
Director of Advancement Celeste Pruit at Holy Trinity Classical Christian School agrees. “The Beaufort Triple Crown is a remarkable testament to the power of community and collaboration. It’s not just about running; it’s about coming together to support education, digital innovation, and housing initiatives. I’m honored to be a part of this meaningful series of races. Each step we take in these events is a step toward positive change in our beloved Beaufort. Join us in this journey of health, compassion, and giving back,” says Pruitt.
All three races are in cooperation with the City of Beaufort and will begin at 8 a.m. The scenic course will lead runners and walkers through historic downtown Beaufort and across the Woods Memorial Bridge on a USATF-certified 5K route.
All races will be timed by Grounded Running and will include awards for the Top 3 overall males and females as well as age groups awarded to top 3 male & female: 8-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. The race is open for runners and walkers of all abilities. All awards ceremonies will begin immediately following the races. Participants who complete all three races will be eligible for special series awards for best combined time, which will be given at the Turkey Trot 5K awards ceremony.
Tim Waz, owner of Grounded Running, adds, “The Triple Crown brings together three amazing organizations, each showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the Lowcountry, while providing three opportunities to run some fast times on a USATF-certified course.”
Brenda Dooley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry, concurs. “This partnership provides not only necessary dollars for each institution, but also a visible platform that allows each of us to share our mission with the wider public. What we can accomplish collectively outweighs what we do separately,” says Dooley.
The last day to register for the Beaufort Triple Crown presented by Beaufort Memorial Hospital is October 5th.
“Working with community partners to enhance the health and quality of life for Lowcountry residents aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Beaufort Memorial President & CEO Russell Baxley, MHA.
“We’re proud to go beyond a typical sponsor relationship to make these three races a great success.”
Jess O’Brien wants you there. “The Triple Crown is a celebration of fitness, camaraderie, and philanthropy, and we can’t wait to see you at the starting line.”
Don’t delay. You’re going to want this commemorative medal. Register today!