GET OUT: Go wild in McClellanville, on Capers Island

While Charleston isn't known for its trail activities, the area's off-road running has been gaining traction the past three years.

I think the lag in popularity for trail running, hiking and biking in the Lowcountry can be pinpointed to three main reasons: our long, hot summers; our mosquitoes, gnats and other biting insects; and our flat terrain.

But thanks to the efforts of Mount Pleasant Fire Department firefighter and avid trail runner Chad Haffa, who also serves as the South Carolina representative for USA Track & Field's Mountain/Ultra/Trail running, the trails all around us are getting more attention.

Haffa, who was interviewed last week by Runner's World magazine about trail running in the Lowcountry, started the Francis Marion Dirt Dash in September 2010 and has since added three more races, including the River Otter 10K Trail Relay on Oct. 6 and the Last Chance 50K on Dec. 15.

Almost 9 Miler

Saturday marks his February contribution: the second annual Eagle Endurance Almost 9 Miler Trail Run at Buck Hall Recreation Area just south of McClellanville. The race starts at 8 a.m. The fee is $35.

I ran it last year and it's on a beautiful winding trail with gorgeous views of the nearby marsh. Granted, if you want a big Cooper River Bridge Run production, this isn't for you. But if you want a fun getaway in the woods, it fits the ticket.

As of Feb. 10, Haffa already had 42 registrants, surpassing last year's race total, including runners from Florida, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.

More details at www.eagle-endurance.com

Capers ECOrun.

While the Capers Island ECOrun 10K and 5K used to use part of the trails on the undeveloped, bridge-less barrier island, concerns over disturbing wildlife has kept the race confined to the island's beach.

Still, including the boat ride out there, the run is worth the escape from the mainland.

The first in a series of three ECOruns, presented by Barrier Island ECO Tours, starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, but you have to get there via a ferry from the Isle of Palms Marina. The late registration fee of $45 includes the ferry ride, but bring $3 for the marina parking fee.

Other races in the series will be held March 18 and April 15.

More details at capersecorun.blogspot.com, or contact Brett Carlson at Capers ECOrun@gmail.com

Natural art, astronomy

Never forget that the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission has an array of activities every weekend, and two that caught my eye this week were Goldsworthy Nature Arrangement and Following the Drinking Gourd.

Both, however, require a minimum number of registrants. Register at www.ccprc.com or call 795-4386.

Inspired by British environmental sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, Beth Burkett will lead a nature arrangement workshop "using natural materials and the landscape as paint and canvas." Sculptures will be photographed and then left to nature.

The class, for ages 8 and up, will be 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center. The cost is $8 for county residents and $10 for nonresidents. Registration is required, and a minimum of five is needed for the class to be held.

Follow the Drinking Gourd is part of the PRC's "Portable Planetarium" series, and it is run by interpretation coordinator Keith McCullough.

The program is described as such: "Step back in time to view the night sky that escaping slaves followed to freedom and discover an important element of African-American heritage."

The program, for ages 9 and up, will be 9:30- 10:30 a.m. Saturday at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Minimum registration is 12.