Fitness

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Fitness
Find where to get more steps in around Columbia
If you’re trying to reach new running goals, consider signing up for one of these upcoming races or find ways to get more steps in around Columbia
January 12, 2026 12:26 PM
 · 
David Stringer
A group of people racing at the Pumpkin Run.
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Add to cal: Family fun at the Pumpkin Run
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Play
11 hiking trails to try in and around Columbia
Check out these 11 hiking trails catering to all skill levels in and around Columbia, SC, for outdoor adventures.
July 23, 2025
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Samantha Robertson
Saluda Shoals Park
Play
28 parks in the Midlands of South Carolina
We’re highlighting the 28 best parks the Midlands has to offer — complete with scenic trails, splash pads, riverfront views, and plenty of space to play, picnic, and relax.
June 25, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
A GIF of participants at The Recess League.
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Your favorite playground games are back at the Y
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A teenager with a medicine ball at Planet Fitness.
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Teens train free all summer long at Planet Fitness
Now in its fifth year, the High School Summer Pass has already waived $300+ million in membership dues to help teens build lifelong healthy habits.
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A woman using a strength training machine at Planet Fitness
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Why now is the best time to start your fitness journey with Planet Fitness
Did you know? Planet Fitness is the largest gym brand in the nation, and there are nine locations in the Columbia Metro Area.
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A Rise Fitness + Wellness instructor assisting a client.
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3 benefits of Pilates at Rise Fitness + Wellness
Rise Fitness + Wellness offers small classes sizes where you can get the benefits of personal training at the value of group fitness.
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A person on the Planet Fitness Hack Squat Machine.
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Level up your workout: New strength equipment coming to Planet Fitness
Research shows that building strength improves balance, flexibility, and cognitive function, making it essential for all fitness levels.
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Culture
Stay on track with your New Year’s resolution in Columbia
Keep the momentum going with local recommendations to eat healthier, save money, and spend more time with your loved ones.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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City
12+ activities for older adults in Columbia
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
February 3, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Sports
What’s new at Founders Park for South Carolina Baseball
Opening Weekend begins Friday, Feb. 13 with a Friday doubleheader and new upgrades at Founders Park.
February 11, 2026
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David Stringer
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Travel and Outdoors
Grow some shade in Columbia, SC 🌳
Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sugar Ray flies into WECO
Sugar Ray headlines the free, two-day Meeting Street Music Festival, bringing live music, food, and spring block-party energy to WECO.
February 9, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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City
Visiting 3 of Columbia’s sister cities
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
February 6, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
A photograph of the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, lit up at night. The sky is cloudy and dark blue overhead, with the stadium lit up by a flurry of lights on its concourses. Empty entrance gates are in front of the giant structure.
What would a Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony look like in Columbia?
The grand opening of the winter event is today in Northern Italy. We’re imagining how it would go down in the Columbia area.
February 5, 2026
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STAFF
Giant wooden sculpture of a seated, gentle-looking troll amidst lush green forest.
Arts
South Carolina’s first Thomas Dambo troll is coming to Cayce
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing one of his famous upcycled trolls to the Cayce Riverwalk, just minutes from downtown Columbia.
February 4, 2026
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Morgan O’Neal
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History
5 ways to honor Black history in Columbia
Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.
February 4, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Entertainment
Carolina Band wins Metallica Marching Band Competition
USC’s band won Metallica’s collegiate competition with a halftime tribute, earning a national prize and a spot in EA Sports’ game.
February 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
First look: Columbia Food & Wine 2026
Columbia Food & Wine returns with chef-driven events across town, plus Tastemakers early ticket access and a new USC scholarship.
February 2, 2026
 · 
David Stringer
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Events
Editor’s Pick: Bird Photographer of the Year lands at SC State Museum
An international bird photography exhibition opens in Columbia this spring, with local bird highlights and the upcoming Flock Fest.
January 28, 2026
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David Stringer