<em>Photo above from left: Alison Barton, Chair of Operation Backpack for 2016, an initiative of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) of the United Way of the Lowcountry, Katie Phifer Chair of Women’s Leadership Council for the United Way, Vivi Verity &amp; Shannon Roberts. </em>

On February 6, 2016, a record 500-plus runners came out to challenge themselves on a 3.1 or 6.2 mile course through the beautiful Coosaw Point neighborhood. The Chilly Bean run, held every year on Super Bowl Weekend, features a snooze-button friendly mid-morning start for the race, followed by a fantastic Chili Cook-Off showcasing every type of chili imaginable and live music to complete the day.

Beaufort Academy Parents’ Association organizes the event, and has watched it grow by hundreds of participants each year. These men and women are committed to community wellness, and enjoy providing a positive, inspiring event for runners and their families to come take part in the event, volunteer, or just to enjoy the chili cook-off.

This year, Beaufort Academy’s race director Shannon Roberts and event organizer Vivi Verity wanted to find a charity to donate a portion of the race proceeds that reflected the positive and inspiring vibe of the Chilly Bean Run. They chose Operation Backpack, an offshoot of the United Way that provides backpacks, school supplies, and lunches to local schoolchildren. This year, Beaufort Academy was able to donate $1,000 to Operation Backpack.

Look for the Chilly Bean Run next year, Super Bowl Weekend, on February 4, 2017!