MANNING – Monarch Strong Corporation’s (MSC) final event for 2025 was epic.
The Oct. 4 events began at 7:15 a.m. at JC Britton Park on a bright and sunny morning. After checking in, road bicyclists from Clarendon County, Columbia, Charleston, North Carolina and Maryland clipped in and took on their chosen challenges.
The 25-mile cyclists enjoyed a little lake time at the third water stop on Randolph’s Landing, while the 40-mile cyclists took it to the Old 301 Santee Walking Bridge. The bold and brave metric cyclists (62 miles) crossed the bridge and continued to Santee State Park before returning to JC Britton Park.
Cyclists weren’t the only ones who took it to the bridge. MSC also had runners and walkers who made the trek there and back. All participants received the coveted Monarch Strong commemorative medals, but those who crossed over the bridge and back took home the gold.
Hands down, the event’s biggest winners of the day were Clarendon’s finest—the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Latisha Geter, Jasmine Snell and two other deputies secured the park and escorted cyclists along all routes for the entirety of the event.
Three weeks after the event, MSC Director ArTheia E. Dingle shared that cyclists were still raving about how safe they felt on the routes with the Sheriff’s Department escorts and those blue lights. Two experienced cyclists said, “Don’t change any of these scenic routes—they were great, but nothing beats the police escorts. They were so cool, kind and patient.”
While the Bike-Run-Walk challenges were underway, Jennifer Mongold’s Montessori class—the MSC winners of the “How Do You Stay Healthy?” drawing contest—along with youth and staff from Turbeville Children’s Home enjoyed the Color Blast Fun, Run and Strut.
Thanks to MSC staff, Manning High School alumni volunteers, and MSC scholarship winners Parah Anderson and Ahmari Abraham, as well as vendors and generous sponsors including Alphonza, Elouise and Sheldon Pompey, free hamburgers and hot dogs were provided for all of the children.
Monarch Strong Corporation (MSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by Manning High School alumni. MSC hosts community events and recreational activities that generate funds to support essential needs of the community and deserving students in Manning schools (formerly Clarendon County School District 2).
Since 2022, MSC has awarded 18 college scholarships. To help make more educational dreams come true for deserving Manning High School seniors, tax-deductible donations may be made at https://monarchstrong.com/msdonations/.
