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 Here’s a twist on the Cooper River Bridge Run. It’s called the Over and Under Challenge. Curious? It’s an event within the Lowcountry Splash that combines your time from the Cooper River Bridge Run with your Splash time.  The Lowcountry Splash began in 1998 as a way to create a unique open water swimming event in the Charleston area. Originally, the course was slated to cross Charleston Harbor from Patriot’s Point on Mt. Pleasant to the Peninsula. That wasn’t very practical, it turned out. Imagine what the swimmers would look like from the deck of a container ship! Imagine how large a ship would loom as seen from the waterline! The first four years saw the open water competition held at Trophy Lakes, a local water ski park on John’s Island. The events were very successful, but there was something missing. A new challenge was needed. In 2001, the swim was moved to the Harbor.Sponsored by Rehabilitation Centers of Charleston, the 2.4 mile open water swim (same as the Iron Man Triathlon) will take place in the Charleston Harbor on May 31^st. Swimmers will start at 8:00 am from the Hobcaw Yacht Club, swim along the Mount Pleasant shoreline, under the New Cooper River Bridge and pass the USS Yorktown Aircraft Carrier finishing at the Charleston Harbor Marina and Resorts at Patriot’s Point.All the fun is for a very good cause. Proceeds from the Splash benefit the Logan Rutledge Children’s Foundation, a local non-profit organization focused on the health and welfare of children in the Lowcountry.  Established in 2002 in memory of Logan Jennings Rutledge (7/30/02-08/26/02), the Foundation has dedicated itself to support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Medical University of South Carolina and has helped many children in need.  Swimmers of all levels participate in the Splash from triathletes to the more recreational swimmers. Ages are grouped every five years starting at 15 and the top 3 male and females in each age group will be recognized. New this year is the team category. Teams will be rated on their best 10 individual times.  The race directors reserve the right to cancel the event because safety is paramount. Besides the US Coast Guard, Sullivan’s Island Fire and Rescue and the Town of Mt Pleasant, there will be a fleet of kyakers and personal watercraft keeping watch. Six foot tall buoys will mark the route. The water temperature usually runs from the mid to upper 70’s in May. There are vantage points along the route to cheer on your friends and family as they ply the waters. So come on, Get Under It. For Splash information go to: www.LowcountrySplash.com 

Filed under: Around Town, Health and Fitness, Lowcountry Lifestyle on May 13th, 2008