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Ongoing coverage of South Carolina's recovery from the flooding of 2015.What had been Lindsay Langdale's Columbia home October 3, 2015 was a flooded ruin the next day.This coverage is made possible by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In October of 2015, South Carolina received rainfall in unprecedented amounts over just a few days time. By the time the rain began to slacken, the National Weather Service reported that the event had dumped more than two feet of water on the state. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the subsequent flooding was the worst in 75 years.

SC Flood Strong 5K to Benefit Flood Survivors

Margaret and Harry Plexico spent months trying to clean up and salvage their flooded home before decided to start over elsewhere.
Ryan Plexico
Margaret and Harry Plexico spent months trying to clean up and salvage their flooded home before decided to start over elsewhere.
A new date for the SC Flood Strong 5K: December 10, 2016
A new date for the SC Flood Strong 5K: December 10, 2016

Update: Due to Hurricane Matthew, the SC Flood Strong 5K has been rescheduled for December 10, 2016.

Ryan Plexico used to stop by his parents’ home every day to go for a run in their neighborhood. When his parents lost their home in the October floods, Ryan found a way to give back through running.

When they got married 37 years ago, Margaret and Harry Plexico moved into a house in Columbia’s Coldstream neighborhood. Margaret says they were out of town for their anniversary last fall when the historic floods hit the state. The water flooded the first floor of the Plexico’s family home, destroying furniture and family keepsakes. Harry and Margaret spent months working to salvage the house before they decided to walk away. Their son, Ryan Plexico, says the loss of their family home inspired him to try to help flood survivors in some way. To commemorate the anniversary of the floods, Ryan Plexico is organizing the SC Flood Strong 5K on October 8.

  More about the SC Flood Strong 5K

When: Saturday, October 8, 8:00am
Where: Behind Hand Middles School in Columbia, SC (certified course through the Shandon neighborhood)

As the beneficiary of the event, Hearts and Hands Disaster Recovery will use their knowledge of case management in South Carolina to distribute the proceeds of the race to disaster-affected families in the Midlands, starting with those most in need of assistance. In addition to funds raised through registration for the event, race sponsor Carolina Comfort Heating and Air Conditioning will donate a complete heating and air conditioning unit with ductwork for a family in need. Additional sponsors include South Beltline - Gills Creek Community Relief Foundation, United Way of the Midlands, Palmetto Project Community Flood Hub, Life by Design Coaching, Home Works, Zoe’s Kitchen, Palmetto Industrial Services, and Lutheran Services of the Carolinas.

Find SC Flood Strong 5K on Facebook. For registration info, visit strictlyrunning.com.