Staff reports
The popular fourth annual Chilly Bean Run and Chili Cookoff will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.
The event, a fundraiser for Beaufort Academy’s Parents Association, is always held on the Saturday before Super Bowl Sunday. It will be held in the Coosaw Point neighborhood on Lady’s Island in Beaufort.
“Coosaw Point is the reason we can have this event and the biggest reason for the success of the event so far,” said race director Shannon Roberts. “The waterfront venue amongst the centurion live oaks is spectacular. This will be our fourth year, and the Gallant family, along with the residents of Coosaw Point, go all out to make sure the runners and guests feel the warmth and beauty that abounds in this neighborhood.”
Runners can choose between two USATF certified distance,: 5K or 10K, and will be chip timed by Palmetto Running Company. Walkers, runners, families, kids and dogs are all encouraged to participate.
The race is (leashed) dog-friendly.
The race offers fun award categories, such as Furthest Distance Traveled To Run; Oldest Participant; Youngest Participant; First Military Finisher; First Dog to cross the finish line; and First Stroller.
Kid-friendly awards include the breakdown of smaller age award categories for male and female: 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18.
The other awards are standard: top finisher male/female in 10-year age groups.
All participants get a free ticket to the chili cookoff after-party, and runners over age 21 receive a free recovery beer after the race.
Last year’s race sold out at over 500 runners, and based on current registrations, organizers expect another sellout.
Pre-register at Runsignup.com. Race day registration is available, but has sold out for the past two years.
The after-party
Known for its afterparty, the Chilly Bean Run & Chili Cookoff will once again feature a DJ Donna warmup and runner send-off, live music by The Bull Grapes, and all-you-can eat chili cooked by amateurs and pro chefs from local restaurants.
Craft beer, kid’s plates and other concessions will be available for sale.
“I think a fun after-party is key to a fun, successful race event,” said Roberts. “People like to mill around after a race and bask in the glow of their accomplishment. Runners are an enthusiastically hungry and social bunch and we love an opportunity to celebrate together after suffering together. ”
Guests can also enter their best chili recipe in the amateur division of the chili cookoff after-party.
A chili cookoff ticket is $10, and a bottomless beer cup is $15 for one, $20 for two.
This year’s event benefits CAPA, the Child Abuse and Prevention Association in Beaufort. Proceeds from the race will be used to purchase computer equipment as well as other needed school supplies for the study rooms at the CAPA Open Arms Children’s home. CAPA’s mission is to break the destructive cycle of child abuse and neglect by equipping parents, children, and their caregivers with necessary skills, knowledge and values.
Visit www.capabeaufort.org.
The Chilly Bean Run event organizers as well as the Beaufort Academy Parent’s Association will also use funds to provide school supplies for local children in need.
For more on the race and after-party, visit www.getchilly.org.
