Runners and walkers braved brisk temperatures and a wind chill as they raced and strolled across Jewfish Creek Bridge for the annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run on Dec. 14. Marathon’s Anthony Kelhower brought the heat to the 5k race course, finishing first with a time of 18 minutes and 57 seconds. The 36-year-old runner won the race for the second year in row.
Key Largo’s Holly Smith crossed the finish line second with a time of 19 minutes and 54 seconds. The 39-year-old who’s competed in ironman competitions placed second overall.
Hundreds of participants took off from the starting line at Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club, scaling a ramp onto a section of the 18-Mile Stretch at Jewfish Creek Bridge. Runners and walkers took to the northbound side of the stretch, which was blocked off to traffic. Vehicles traveling south into the Florida Keys hit their horns in a show of support and encouragement for race participants.
Tavernier’s Bob Arnold, 63, won the men’s masters division with a time of 23 minutes and 49 seconds. Key Largo resident Jenny Flynn, 49, crossed the finish line with a time of 24 minutes and 51 seconds. She won the women’s masters division for the second consecutive year.
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
