Monarch Strong Corporation's (MSC) final event for 2026 drew participants from Clarendon County, Lexington, Lake City, Sumter, Columbia, Charleston, North Carolina, Georgia and Maryland who came ready to take on their physical fitness challenge of choice — biking, running or walking.
The Oct. 3 event began at 7:15 a.m. with participant check-in at three locations — J.C. Britton Park, the new park at the old U.S. 301 bridge and Santee State Park — on a bright morning with cloudy skies and threats of rain.
Participants, many of whom were first-time visitors to Clarendon County, received a warm welcome and swag bags under the Anytime Fitness and Monarch Strong tents. They were later greeted at rest stops with refreshments by volunteers, including MSC staff members, Manning High School cheerleaders, Clarendon County Fire Rescue Station 12 Capt. April Conyers, Fire Marshal Mark Thompson and MSC 2026 winners Ansh Patel, Linda Strickland, Mary-Esther McCabe (and parent Adrienne McCabe), Thomas Herlong and Robyn Johnson (and parent Sharrington Montgomery). Kudos to Manning's Pizza Hut, which donated pizza for the volunteer cheerleaders and youth from Turbeville Children's Home.
Hands down, the event's biggest winners of the day were Clarendon's finest — the Clarendon County Sheriff's Office. Sgt. Latisha Geter, Jasmine Snell, Deputy First Class Cheek and Deputy First Class Bowman patrolled the park and escorted cyclists along all routes throughout the event.
MSC Director ArTheia E. Dingle shared that all cyclists expressed gratitude and peace of mind knowing that all three routes — 62 miles, 40 miles and 25 miles — were escorted by an officer.
Dionne, an out-of-town cyclist, shared, "We don't get this treatment on our other rides. It was a great route!!! The folks in Clarendon County are super courteous and friendly."
Those blue lights make a difference.
All participants, whether they chose to bike, run or walk, completed their challenges and received the coveted MSC commemorative challenge medal. After the challenge, some participants relaxed while listening to music by the DJ, while others enjoyed food prepared by the Pompeys or joined in Zumba and line dancing led by Nina.
The main attraction that participants lined up for before 1 p.m. was the four big raffles, with hopes of having the winning tickets drawn by MSC 2024 scholarship winner Parah Anderson. The grand prize winner took home a new Pit Boss grill and smoker valued at $700, donated by a local sponsor. The prize was a big hit, just in time for tailgate season!
Monarch Strong's 2026 Bike-Run-Walk challenge went off without a hitch and ended by 2:30 p.m. Around 3 p.m., the skies opened up with an intense downpour of rain — the kind that makes for a good nap after an eventful day.
Monarch Strong Corporation 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 23 college scholarships. Those who would like to help make more educational dreams come true for deserving Manning High School seniors can still make a year-end tax-deductible donation at https://monarchstrong.com/msdonations/.
