Editor's Note: Media interested in attending should RSVP by emailing D7PADETNorth@gmail.com
WHO: Coast Guard Base Charleston, National Park Service
WHAT: Coast Guard 5K Beach Run
WHEN: Saturday, March 30, at 8:30 a.m. Race packet pick-up will begin at 7:30 a.m.
WHERE: Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, 1815 Ion Ave, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to conduct an honor run Saturday at Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse in Sullivan’s Island.
The run’s goal is to replicate the heroic efforts conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard’s predecessors in the Life Saving Service. South Carolina’s only life-saving station was on Sullivan’s Island and was active from 1895 to 1973, saving numerous lives during that time.
The run, with nearly 100 participants, will be an entirely beach-based run as a reminder of those heroic lifesaving service forebearers.
Members of the Coast Guard and National Park Service will be available to discuss the significance of the run and the Coast Guard’s connection and historical significance to the area.
Notably, in 1898, Sullivan’s Island Surfman James Coste perished at sea rescuing a 12-year-old boy from the offshore currents. That boy became the grandfather of Joe Riley, who served as mayor of Charleston between 1975 and 2016 and was one of the longest-tenured mayors in the United States by the time he left office.
Surfman James Coste was posthumously provided a silver lifesaving medal in 2013 for his act of valor – cementing the value that the Coast Guard has played in the lives of the Charleston community. The significance of a life saved has generational impacts.
For further information on the Coast Guard’s connection to Sullivan’s Island click here.
On Jan. 26, 2024, Greater Charleston was designated an official Coast Guard Community. Established by Congress in 1998, a Coast Guard Community is an honorary designation recognizing communities’ special efforts to celebrate the service and sacrifice of Coast Guard men and women.
More information about Coast Guard communities can be found here.
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