2025 Bright Ideas 5K

We romped in the swamp!

AND THAT'S A WRAP!

Thank you to all the amazing participants and sponsors who made the 4th Annual Bright Ideas 5K a success! Because of your enthusiasm and generosity, we were able to award over $52,000 in grants, allowing 47 local teachers to fund creative new ways to educate their students.

Nearly 400 runners took to the trails at Cypress Gardens, but it was Kristian Sanchez of Moncks Corner took home 1st Place with an elapsed time of 19:22 and an overall pace of 6:14. Congratulations also go to Caroline Crawford of Charleston who was the first place female finisher with 25:18. For the complete list of race results click here.

Be sure to mark your calendar for next year's race to be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026!

Until then, visit our photo gallery to relive the fun and excitement of this year's race.

Click here for a list of winning teachers and more information about the Bright Ideas Education Grants!

Date: Saturday, April 26 (rain or shine)
Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Road • Moncks Corner, SC 29461

The race will feature a chip start with timed racing bibs. The race course features a mix of paved, gravel, and dirt trails with roots and boardwalks. Strollers are not recommended. 

  • Race course map
  • Get a first-person view of the race course
  • Packet pick-up will be available the day before the race and the morning of race day
  • Racers can sign up until the morning of the race (will receive finisher medal but no guaranteed race shirt)

Cypress Gardens is a gorgeous blackwater swamp located in Berkeley county. It has been featured in national magazines, popular television shows and motion pictures including The Notebook and The Patriot. Attractions include picturesque views along 3.5 miles of trails, swamp boat tours, an aquarium/reptile center and more!

Be sure to join us at the race village after the run to honor local teachers receiving a Bright Ideas Grant. Don't forget that your race fee includes admission to Cypress Gardens so feel free to explore after the event.

  • Main gates close to traffic at 7:45 a.m. and will not re-open until 9 a.m.
  • Parking is free but limited - carpool if possible
  • Free shuttles will be available to and from overflow parking at Celenase - 3300 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
  • Only registered service animals please. Pets are not allowed.

Take advantage of early packet pick-up 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, April 25 at Fleet Feet, Carnes Crossroads, 2509 N. Main Street, Summerville. You will receive your race bib and swag bag.

You can also pick up your packet the morning of the race up at Cypress Gardens until 7:45 a.m.

Main entrance to Fleet Feet store

Join the fun in our race village before and after the race! There will be free snacks and water for runners and spectators as well as a free photo booth. Our DJ will keep the crowd pumped up to cheer on the runners and local teachers. Who knows? You might even bump into a few special guests as you visit our amazing race sponsors in the vendor village.

The awards ceremony for the Bright Ideas educational grants will start at 8:45 a.m. followed immediately by the 5k race awards. 

Bright Ideas 5K - 2024 Recap

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