Motorists traversing U.S. 1 into the Florida Keys capture a breathtaking glimpse of the island life as they pass over Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo. Resorts looking out at the bayside waters where boats come and go sit on one side, while the oceanside brings nothing but pure natural beauty.
It’s an instantaneous breath of relief for vacationers and a continuous “wow” factor for locals coming back home from the mainland. For runners in this year’s Key Largo Bridge Run, the breaths of salt air and the sights from the bridge underneath the morning sun will be one to remember.
Hundreds of runners and walkers from the Keys and beyond will take their mark for the 12th annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run on Nov. 12. The 5K event gives participants the chance to run or walk the final part of the 18-Mile Stretch that serves as the gateway to the Keys. The course not only brings the picturesque views, but it’s also flat with one big challenging bridge overlooking Florida Bay and Barnes Sound.
Bridge runners will take to the start line around 7:30 a.m. from the access road leading to Gilbert’s Resort. From there, they’ll set out on the course that takes them onto Jewfish Creek Bridge. Runners will turn around and head back over the bridge and return to the access road leading to Gilbert’s where they will reunite with friends and family and enjoy music, drinks and food. The race will end around 9:30 a.m.
Organizer of the event, Henry Menendez, of HNO Productions, has been gearing up for the race’s return for many months. The run returned in 2021 after it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID. Menendez said there’s plenty of excitement as runners sign up for this year’s race.
“We continue to strive to promote health and well-being within our community and all over the world,” Menendez said. “In addition, we encourage everyone to take a moment and enjoy the sights from the top of the bridge while admiring one of the most spectacular views of our beautiful island.”
Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers, overall masters male and female, as well as to the top three of different age groups. Race T-shirts will be given to the first 500 participants who register. All participants will receive a medal upon completion of their respective race event.
The night before the race, participants are invited to a pasta party dinner at Doc’s Diner, MM 99, bayside. A pre-party is being planned for Nov. 10 as well as a post-party after the race. More details will be released as those plans become finalized.
For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/KeyLargo/KeyLargoBridgeRun.
