GET OUT: Save the Light celebrates 10th run on Folly

Lighthouses are like sunsets and babies: Everybody loves 'em. And lucky us, Charleston has two lights, the young one (49 years old) on Sullivan's Island and the old one (135 years old) on Morris Island, or what's left of it.

The local running scene celebrates both, directly and indirectly, this time of year.

Last week, hundreds of runners ran past Charleston Light on Sullivan's Island several times during the 29th annual Charlie Post Classic 15K and 5K.

This Saturday, it's time to celebrate, and help save, the Morris Island Lighthouse, even though few will catch much more than a glimpse of the more elegant elder.

The 10th Save the Light Half-Marathon and 5K started in 2002 (but skipped 2007) as an effort by the Save the Light organization to raise awareness and funds to save the lighthouse, which was and is in danger because of erosion and years of neglect.

This year's event will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Folly Beach, starting and ending near the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier.

Since that first run, the lighthouse has received grant funds for stabilization, but in the era of cutbacks, who knows what the future holds for continued work on what is one of Charleston's top landmarks.

To sign up for the race, go to www.actioncarolina.com or go to the Medical University of South Carolina Wellness Center at 45 Courtenay St. from 4-7 p.m. Friday or to Tides Folly Beach (the former Holiday Inn) from 7-8 a.m. Saturday.

Late registration fees are $50 for the half-marathon and $30 for the 5K. More on Save the Light at www.savethelight.org.

Forest cleanup

Not interested in running but want to help another local asset?

Palmetto Pride and Francis Marion National Forest are teaming up for the fifth annual Forest Cleanup from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday at the U.S. Forest Service Office, 2967 Steed Creek Road in Awendaw.

After the clean-up, the groups will provide lunch to volunteers.

If you or your group would like to volunteer, call 877-725-7733 or email Gene Campbell at ecampbell@palmettopride.org.

World Wetlands Day

In celebration of World Wetlands Day, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is offering a family-friendly introduction to wetland habitats 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Palmetto Islands County Park in Mount Pleasant.

While the event is free, pre-registration is required and a chaperon is required for participants ages 15 and under.

Call 795-4386 or go to ccprc.com to register.