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Keeping Pace

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The multifaceted Bridge Run director takes his many responsibilities in stride

Photographs by

Wilson Baker

Julian Smith (pictured in the Bridge Run office) oversees the annual race, is the head of corporate development at MUSC Children’s Hospital, and has a eucalyptus farm on John’s Island.

Since Smith took over the direction of the Cooper River Bridge Run in 1994, the race has grown exponentially in its number of participants, sponsorship dollars, and donations to local charities. In 2006, a record 45,497 runners and walkers crossed the newly completed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

“The Cooper River Bridge Run has always been a unique race, and, in my mind, it was destined to be a big one.” —Julian Smith

Smith was raised in the close-knit community of Wagener Terrace. On this occasion, five-year-old Smith, along with his neighborhood friends, dressed up like cowboys and Indians to have their portraits taken by an enterprising photographer with a pony.

Smith sells eucalyptus, grown on 17 acres on John’s Island (below, left), at the Charleston Farmers Market every Saturday from April through December. Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia buys a portion of his harvest to feed their koalas.

Smith with assistant race directors Taylor Lee and Tami Bourne and some elite runners at MUSC’s Wellness Center

Smith unveils the winning “Get Over It” poster and T-shirt design for the 1995 Cooper River Bridge Run

Last summer, South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond selected Cooper River Bridge Run, Inc., to be on his “Angels List,” which recognizes the state’s best charities.

Cannon Beach, Oregon, during his attempt at retirement in 2007

Smith with longtime girlfriend Maureen Sheakley.