Join us at Cypress Gardens for the fifth annual Bright Ideas 5K! You'll enjoy a challenging CERTIFIED course of varied terrain in one of the prettiest locations in the Lowcountry. Check out photos from last year's race! [https://berkeleyelectric.smugmug.com/Events-Festivals/Bright-Ideas-Program/2025-Bright-Ideas-5K]

Packet pickup will be 11 A.M.-6 P.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026 AT FLEET FEET'S CARNES CROSSROADS LOCATION. Race day packet pickup is also available until 7:45 a.m. at Cypress Gardens.

Parking is limited at Cypress Gardens, so please carpool or arrive early. A shuttle to a remote lot at Celanese (formerly DuPont) will be provided. The road into Cypress Gardens is part of the course. For the safety of our athletes, the road will close at 7:45 a.m. and will reopen after the last athlete has cleared the road.

All proceeds from this run/walk benefit Berkeley Electric Cooperative's Bright Ideas Education Grant Program, which supports innovative and effective projects that are not covered by traditional school funding. Public and private K-12 teachers in BEC's service territory can apply for grants up to $1,500 each year. The application period for 2026 opens Jan. 1. Grant winners will be recognized at the 5K's awards ceremony.

Berkeley Electric Cooperative is South Carolina's largest not-for-profit electric provider and serves portions of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.