Yogis return to Marion Square for Louie's Kids
Ooommms will be emanating from Marion Square early Saturday afternoon for the eighth annual Louie's Kids Yoga Marathon.
In past years, nearly 200 or so yoga enthusiasts have attended the event that involves doing 108 sun salutations, led by instructors representing most of the yoga studios in Charleston.
Last year's event raised a record $25,000 for the locally based nonprofit, which helps underprivileged children fight obesity.
Louie's Kids founder Louis Yuhasz is hoping for a similar turnout and outcome noon-3 p.m. this Saturday.
"Goals are always as much as we can get," he says, noting that the Louie's Kids Run Buddies program is continuing to expand.
Locally, the programs are starting in Ravenel, as well as Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Beyond the Lowcountry, Louie's Kids has hired a Run Buddies coordinator for its program in Charlotte after the Carolina Panthers awarded the charity a $10,000 grant this year to get a program started. Other programs have started in Savannah and will start in New York and New Jersey soon.
Fight for Air
Earlier in the day on Folly Beach, the fourth annual Fight for Air Run/Walk (formerly known as the Asthma Walk) will be held to raise money for and awareness of the work of the American Lung Association.
Whether you're a competitive 5K runner or just want to get out, Fight for Air offers something for both, including a Halloween costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best and most unusual adult, child and pet costumes. Locklear's will provide breakfast -- shrimp and grits and a breakfast casserole -- on the Folly Beach Pier following the event. While pets are welcome to participate, they are not allowed on the pier.
The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Folly Pier. The late fee is $35.
"This is the ninth annual event (including the Asthma Walk) and funds raised support the mission of the American Lung Association, which is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease," says Rebecca Downs, program manager for the American Lung Association in South Carolina.
"The event goal is $60,000, and these funds will support advocacy efforts for healthy outdoor and indoor air, lung disease research and support, asthma education programs, smoking cessation clinics and our overnight camp for children with asthma."
Visit www.FightForAirRunWalk.org or call 556-8451.
Trot for Tots
On the other side of town, another 5K also will offer a Halloween costume contest, though for just the kids.
The second annual Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital Trot for Tots will be Saturday at Mount Pleasant Hospital. A 5K run/walk starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run at 9 a.m.
"RSFH hopes to increase awareness about the importance of infant car safety and to raise funds for infant car seats for parents who apply for assistance through the hospital. It's also another opportunity for Mount Pleasant Hospital to be active in its community," says Megan Fink, media relations manager for Roper, adding that about 150 people ran last year.
The Halloween theme continues as the stand-up paddleboard race scene expands to the Folly River this Saturday with the inaugural Folly Beach SUPer Scary SUP Race at 11 a.m. at Sunset Cay Marina, 66 W. 9th St. Extension. Sign-ins start at 10 a.m.
The event, presented by Charleston SUP Safaris and Sunset Cay Marina, will raise money for Pet Helpers and a major breast cancer cause. The event features a 10K elite and 5K recreation race. Registration is $25. Divisions also are available for children as well as owner/dog, with the fee being $12. An after-party will be held 2-8 p.m. at Sunset Cay Restaurant. Pre-registration is required.
www.charlestonsupsafaris.com or www.pethelpers.com
Ride for Hope
George Hincapie, a 16-time Tour de France veteran, returns to ride with participants in the fourth annual Jerry Zucker Ride for Hope on Sunday. Bike rides of 62 miles and 30 miles will originate from "the shed" at the track at Park West in Mount Pleasant at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., respectively. A family ride starts at 9 a.m.
The event raises money for 13 mostly local cancer causes, including the Hollings Cancer Center, Camp Happy Days and Share Our Suzy. Minimum donation is $500. Lunch provided by Carraba's.
