Key Largo Bridge Run introduces a new challenge

Cross over a bridge in your route

Participants make it to the one mile mark headed south on Jewfish Creek Bridge toward Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo during the First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run Half Marathon & 4 Mile Run/Walk Saturday, November 9, 2019. Photo by Doug Finger

The 2020 First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run introduces the 2020 First State Bank Bridge the Gap Virtual Challenge.

Due to the circumstances this year, the Key Largo Bridge Run Half Marathon & 4-Mile Run/Walk was not able to take place.  In its place is the 2020 First State Bank Bridge the Gap Virtual Challenge.

The virtual challenge will only have one requirement: to cross over a bridge within your route.  You can run, walk, bike or skate and go as far as you like. The best part about it is you can do it anywhere.

“Our goal is to keep people motivated and healthy as they look forward to coming back to Key Largo in 2021,” says race director Henry Menendez. “I will actually be able to participate this year virtually with all my fellow runners and walkers.”

All registrants will receive a shirt and finishers medal upon completion of their challenge. In addition, all proceeds will go to the Key Largo Rotary Club. The Key Largo Rotary Club is a nonprofit organization that uses its efforts to help the local community. 

Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/AnyCityAnyState/FirstStateBankBridgetheGapVirtualChallenge to register.

Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.