Making a run for it

A new year, a new you. Right? (Just say "right.") Well then, what better way to start things off on the right foot than by running in a half-marathon. I mean, it's not like it's a WHOLE marathon. AND you have two days to train.

So, it looks like you're pretty much out of excuses, Captain Lazy Pants.

This weekend, get out your running shoes and cycling gear and head to North Charleston for the Riverfront Race Festival. Beginning Friday and running through Sunday, the inaugural event, which features a half-marathon, 10K, 5K and two cycling races, will be centered around the old Navy base and Park Circle.

With more than 1,000 runners, walkers and cyclers expected to turn out, Race Director Howie Schomer sounds like a proud parent when he says: "I'm not sure that there's been a first-year event that's been this large. These are very good numbers." Schomer, well-known in the local running community, said he and event chair Charles Fox have been working to make the event a reality.

"It is no small feat to close streets that the public and emergency services and businesses depend on for their normal life needs and functions," explains Fox.

"But we got it done," Schomer adds. "People have been dying for an event like this in the Lowcountry."

Runners from 23 states have entered the event, and next year that number is expected to grow as the committee hopes to add a marathon to the bill.

Race proceeds benefit The Youth Endowment for the Arts, which strives to offer quality cultural arts programs to Charleston area children by providing grants to arts organizations and school equipment specific for arts education.

The event kicks off with the final 1.1 miles of a kids' half-marathon (they have been running a mile a week for 12 weeks) at 4 p.m. Friday, followed by a pasta dinner and fitness expo 5-8 p.m. at 10 Storehouse Row.

The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and the 10K and half-marathon begin at 8:35 a.m.

Event schedule

Friday

4 p.m.: Kids' half-marathon, final 1.1 miles.

5-8 p.m.: Pre-race pasta dinner presented by Olive Garden.

Saturday

7 a.m.: Packet pickup and late registration.

8:30 A.M.: Hunley Hustle 5K.

8:35 A.M.: Wheelchair division, half-marathon, 10K begin.

9 a.m.: Family walk begins.

Sunday

8:30 A.M.: 62- and 30-mile bicycle ride begins.

If you go

WHAT: Riverfront Race Festival half-marathon, 10K and 5K.

WHEN: Races begin at 8:30 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. Saturday.

WHERE: The old Naval Shipyard, Noisette Boulevard near McMillan Avenue.

COST: $75 in advance, $80 on race day for halfmarathon; $40/$45 race day for 10K; $30 for 5K; $15 for Family Fun Walk; $40 for bike ride. Fee gets you a T-shirt, carry bag and commemorative glass.

COURSE: The race courses are flat and scenic, winding through the historic Charleston Naval Shipyard and the revitalized downtown North Charleston and Park Circle areas.

MORE INFO: www.riverfrontracefestival.com.