Move over, Seven Mile Bridge Run.
March 21 was a day for “Seven Meters of Grueling Running” as Key Colony Beach residents and visitors braved a daunting three-foot (we think) incline in the Key Colony Beach Community Association’s 7 Meter Bridge Run. What the annual jaunt over the Sadowski Causeway bridge lacked in length, it certainly made up for with the colorful costumes of all who “ran” – from butterflies and Parrotheads to tie-dye shirts, snorkel vests, baby bows and canes. Before the run, the field of “racers” gladly deferred to several elite athletes who completed the course on their own as guests of honor – including 100-year-old Marathon resident Dorothy Bitzer as the first to break the tape.
Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
QUESTIONS WITH THE CHAMP
Before the race, the Keys Weekly was fortunate enough to sit down with 100-year-old Dorothy Bitzer to learn more about her life, what led her to the ‘Seven Meters of Grueling Running,’ and the key to hitting triple digits.
When did you move to Marathon? 11 years ago.
What made you decide to do the run? I’ve done just about everything in my life, but I’ve never done one of these. It was a good time to start.
In 100 years, what’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done? That would be hard to point out, but I’ve been in a submarine down to 850 feet, I’ve gone parasailing, and I’ve walked on the bottom of the ocean in a helmet feeding fish in Bora Bora.
What’s the secret to living to 100? I don’t have anything to complain about, so I just don’t complain. I’ve had a wonderful life. My family takes care of me. And I stayed working at a real estate office until I was 79.
