IslandVibesIOP.com 10 When runners and walkers participating in the IOP Connector Run 5K/10K cross over the eponymous bridge linking Isle of Palms and Mount Pleasant on Saturday, Oct. 3, they won’t just be treated to spectacular views, they can also feel gratified knowing that their registration fee will benefit a vital community cause. Last year’s IOP Connector Run raised a record-shattering $200,000 in support of Lowcountry child abuse prevention programs during the 2025-26 fiscal year. These funds were made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors and the 2,500 runners who registered for the annual charity race. The event, organized through the IOP Exchange Club’s IOP Connector Run Board, has raised just over $2 million since its inception in 1992 when the IOP Connector opened. Ten organizations will receive funding this year, including Windwood Farm, Landmarks for Families, Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, CAPA-Beaufort, Young Moms Together (formerly Florence Crittenton of South Carolina), Doors to Freedom, Darkness to Light, My Sister’s House, Lowcountry Orphan Relief and HALOS. Michelle Priest, president of the IOP Connector Run Board, said people often compare it to the Cooper River Bridge Run, but as she explained, what makes this race different is that it’s an entirely volunteer-coordinated event. “All volunteers put this together. It’s a lot of work. So a team of 10-to-12 individuals raising that much money is just incredible.” While the board comprises 12 individuals, there are also representatives from the Town of Mount Pleasant, the City of IOP and the IOP police and fire departments who collaborate to make it a continued success. “Without the support of Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, our community, our village, our runners – we wouldn’t be able to do this,” noted Priest. Though the race is capped at 2,500 registrants again this year, Priest said they of course would love to raise even more money than 2025 to give back to the community. In addition to the 10 funding recipients, part of the proceeds go toward the IOP Exchange Club’s CAP (Child Abuse Prevention) committee to help support other local nonprofit initiatives such as Lowcountry Orphan Relief’s annual school supplies drive. Another great aspect of the event, according to Priest, is that the race is a sanctioned run certified by USA Track & Field. This means that many participants use it for placement in bigger runs like the Boston Marathon. “Not all 5K, 10K runs are sanctioned runs.” Since runners often bring their families and friends with them for support, the after party appeals to all ages. The post-race festival will feature live music, free beer (21+), snacks and beverages, a kids’ area with face painting and fairy hair, cash prizes, an awards ceremony and vendor exhibits. Without spoiling any big reveal, Priest indicated that there will be some new products and items to sample this year. Some of the 2026 sponsors include presenting sponsor Exclusive Properties as well as returning sponsors Panera Bread, Island Active (beer sponsor), Lone River and Edward Jones. “We are at 35 years I think, doing this now. I think we’ve gotten so big due to of course word-of-mouth,” mused Priest. She added that the drone footage provided through MPeacockMedia and Palm Social “has just been huge.” “The volunteers, the community coming together, to support such a great cause has just accelerated the run.” COMMUNITY ‘It takes a village’ Volunteer-led IOP Connector Run helps fund critical charity work By Colin McCandless Photo courtesy of IOP Run Connector Board For more information on how to register, volunteer or became a sponsor, visit ioprun.com.
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