Check out upcoming local races to sign up for. | Photo provided by Lexington Medical Center
Whether you’re an experienced runner or just looking to get more steps in around Columbia, here are some of this year’s upcoming road races + several other local walking locations to keep you active throughout the year.
Get to the Green | Saturday, March 15 | $30+ | The St. Pat’s Festival kicks off with Columbia’s largest road race, at 7:30 a.m. Register to run or walk a 5K, 10K, or one-mile family fun run.
The Governor’s Cup | Friday, April 11 + Saturday, April 12 | $25+ | The road race is several events over two days, including the Main Street Mile, Kid’s Main Street Mile, Half-Marathon, and 5K Run/Walk.
Fireflies Holiday Lights | Wednesday, Jan. 3-Saturday, Jan. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Segra Park | $12 | This is your last weekend to enjoy falling snow, visits with Santa, a scavenger hunt, arts + crafts, and over 1.5 million dazzling holiday lights.
Saturday, Jan. 4
Swap: Houseplants | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Richland Library North Main | Free | If your resolution is to develop a greener thumb, head to the North Main location at your leisure to swap plants and/or cuttings.
Monday, Jan. 6
Computer Basics Learning Lab | Monday, Jan. 6, Monday, Feb. 3 | 4-5 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | Learn basic computer skills such as using a mouse, saving files to a computer, navigating the internet, or setting up and using an email account.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Wine Tasting: World of Sparkling Wine | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Sour & Salt Bakery Event Space | $68 | From Champagne to Prosecco, Sour & Salt Bakery explores tasting techniques, food pairings, and how to appreciate bubbles from every glass.
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News Notes
News Notes
Number
$1.5 million — that’s the amount the City of Columbia + Richland County will each receive in grant assistance from the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority for capital improvements and infrastructure projects. The RIA will allocate over $34 million to 24 counties across the state. (Columbia Business Report)
Closed
Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, a portion of the Saluda Riverwalk trail will close as Riverbanks Zoo progresses with construction on its Saluda Sky Ride Gondola Project. Public access will close at the east end of the Millrace boardwalk and is set to reopen on Monday, Jan. 13.
Learn
Brushing up on local bird knowledge? Historic Columbia is hosting a free Birdwatching in the Gardens event on Thursday, Jan. 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. Bring your binoculars to the Hampton-Preston Gardens + learn how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior. Registration is required.
Try This
Happy zoo year. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is offering Free Fridays for Richland and Lexington County residents. Locals with proof of residency can explore the zoo at no cost on Fridays through February. The initiative is a token of gratitude for the community’s support.
Sports
What kind of impression will the Carolina Panthers leave as they finish the 2024 regular season? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Listen
Did you hear that? Unlike most hearing aids, the Horizon IX uses dual processors to separate speech from noise, delivering twice the speech clarity and crispness. Experience the ultimate hearing solution.*
Try This
If eating healthier is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, consider adding this pesto chicken wrap or chipotle chicken quinoa bowl to your 2025 rotation. Both are good for your heart (and tastebuds).*
The Buy
The Buy
A stylish button down cardigan that can add extra polish to any outfit. Choose your favorite color — we like white and green.
Happy New Year, Cola. I know there are some classic New Year’s resolutions floating around — drink less alcohol, work on fitness, less screen time, read more, etc. — but I’m curious about some of our reader’s non-conventional New Year’s resolutions. Have something you think is pretty niche or specific to you? I want to hear about it. Share it with me and your resolution may be shared in an upcoming newsletter.
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