Race History
History of the Floppin' Flounder 5K
For the first 19 years of the event, the Sullivan’s Island Fire & Rescue Squad held the annual Floppin’ Flounder 5K, which was originally connected to the group’s annual fish fry.
The event was spearheaded by runner and volunteer firefighter Huggie Hindman. Created by Huggie, with help from Kenny Bible, Mike Chodnicki, and Howie Schomer, the event was created to help raise funds for the volunteer part of the fire department. Originally held on the morning of the annual fish fry on the last Saturday of June, it was eventually moved to the first weekend in June.
After years of trying to pass the baton to someone else, the Charleston Running Club stepped up and took over the event. Floppin' Flounder became the Charleston Running Club’s second yearly road race under its management.
Huggie Hindman - The Founder
A well-known community supporter, Huggie spent many years as a volunteer firefighter for the Sullivan's Island Fire & Rescue Department. He started in 1988 and received certification for Interior Structural Firefighter early in 1989. In 1991, while looking at ways to raise money for the volunteer part of the SIFD, the Fire Chief asked Huggie if he thought a 5K would be profitable. Huggie thought it would, and in 1992, with the help of Kenny Bible, Mike Chodnicki, and Howie Shomer, the Floppin’ Flounder 5K was started.
Huggie still assists with the event and participates in it. Since starting this event, he has also assisted Howie Shomer and Charles Fox with the Charleston Marathon and recently finished his 29th year of helping Mike Chodnicki with the Kiawah Marathon.
