C'mon Do the LoCo Motion

A sea of pink will be coursing the shores of Hilton Head and Callawassie islands this fall with the return of LoCo Motion, a three-day, 30-mile walk-and-run fundraiser for breast cancer. The Lowcountry event, set for Sept. 28-30, is expected to draw over 1,000 participants eager to burn some serious calories and help fight a disease that kills nearly 40,000 women a year.

"When you think about what breast cancer patients go through-the surgery, the months of chemotherapy and radiation-walking 30 miles doesn't seem so bad," said Connie Duke, director of oncology services for Beaufort Memorial Hospital, LoCo Motion's lead sponsor. "It's a challenge, but it's a fun way to make a difference."

Participants have the option of running or walking one, two or three of the event days. Those who complete all 30 miles will be awarded a Triple Nipple commemorative medal.

To help get you ready to hit the ground running-or walking-organizers have set up free group training sessions in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head Island beginning in early June. If you prefer to train on your own, a 17-week training schedule and a training tips video is available on the LoCo website, www.DotheLoCoMotion.org.  

"It's hard on the body to jump in with a 10-mile walk," said Hollie Smith, an exercise physiologist at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and one of the LoCo Motion trainers. "You need to build up slowly to give yourself time to adjust to the climate and terrain. Walking on beaches and roads is not the same as walking on a treadmill.

The event will begin on Hilton Head Island's south end, taking walkers and runners through Shipyard Plantation beneath moss-draped oak trees, past championship golf courses and picturesque lagoons before heading out to the hard-packed sand along the Atlantic. 

Day two, the party moves to Callawassie Island, the first community in South Carolina to be designated a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. On the final leg, it's back to the beaches of Hilton Head Island for an oceanfront trek that starts and ends at the Omni Hilton Head Resort in Palmetto Dunes.

"You don't have to be an elite athlete to sign up for this event," said Al Olivetti, owner of On On Tri, who is leading the Hilton Head Island training sessions. "Being able to choose how much you want to do allows more people to participate."

Training sessions on the island will take place at 7 a.m. Sundays. The shop, located at 31 New Orleans Rd., will provide hydrating fluids and energy snacks for participants. For more information, call 295-9565.

Bluffton runners and walkers will meet for training at 7 a.m. Saturdays at Palmetto Running Company, 22 Plantation Dr. Two coaches will work exclusively with walkers to make it less intimidating for those just starting out. For details, call 815-1718. "We'll group participants based on where they are physically," said Rob Fyfe, owner of Palmetto Running Company. "We'll build up the beginners over time until they are able to make longer distances."

Beaufort Memorial's LifeFit Wellness Center will host the north-of-the-Broad training, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 7 a.m. Saturdays. Call 522-5637 to learn more about the sessions.

Not sure you want to commit? You can still run with the pack. Registration is not required and you can join the training sessions at any time and attend as you are able.

LoCo Motion is the signature fundraiser for Carolina Cups, a Lowcountry non-profit group dedicated to funding breast cancer education,screening,treatment and clinical research. All of the proceeds are donated to local and regional breast cancer-related organizations, including Beaufort Memorial's Keyserling Cancer Center and Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Care. To learn more about LoCo Motion or to register for the walk/run, go to www.DotheLoCoMotion.org or call 540-3284.