About

The Academic Magnet High School Boys Cross Country and Track teams are coming together to honor their beloved coach, Coach Brian Johnson, who recently passed away after a long-term illness. Coach Johnson’s passion for running, mentorship, and community left an unforgettable mark on everyone he worked with. In his memory, the team is launching a fundraising event that embodies his spirit, combining endurance, teamwork, and service to others.

With the support of the Magnet Cancer Outreach Club (founded by Coach Johnson’s son), the team will embark on a symbolic run connecting Coach Johnson’s two alma maters, starting on the track at Furman University and finishing on the track at Charleston Southern University. Over the course of three days (December 21–23), ten young men — all coached by Brian, including his two sons, will cover more than 200 miles in his honor.

This “Run for Coach Johnson” aims to celebrate his life while raising funds for three organizations close to his heart:

• The Lonon Foundation — a Charleston-based nonprofit that supports families who are impacted by a parent or caregiver's cancer diagnosis, providing coping tools, peer-based activities, and age-appropriate materials and guidance.

• Mount Pleasant Track Club — a local youth running program that fosters a family-oriented environment and helps young athletes develop both as runners and as people.

• The Academic Magnet Cross Country and Track Program — the team Coach Johnson led for over a decade, winning 3 state championships, 7 state runner-up titles, and producing more individual state champions than any program in South Carolina history.

All donations will be shared among these three organizations, continuing Coach Johnson’s legacy of compassion, perseverance, and community.

Join us in honoring Coach Johnson by supporting this cause — helping local families facing cancer, nurturing young athletes, and celebrating the life of a coach who inspired so many.