KEY LARGO BRIDGE RUN JUST 2 WEEKS AWAY

Hundreds of runners near and far descended upon Key Largo’s Jewfish Creek Bridge for a scenic race entering the Florida Keys in 2019. A COVID-19 pandemic canceled the one-of-a-kind race in 2020, but the excitement surrounding the First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run is back.

This year, race participants can run the half marathon or run or walk in the 5K that’s set for Sunday, Nov. 14. Bridge runners will take to the start line around 6:30 a.m. from the access road leading to Gilbert’s Resort. 

From there, they’ll run a beautiful course that goes over Jewfish Creek Bridge, which overlooks Blackwater Sound in the Key Largo Bay. Half marathon runners will get an added treat of running next to the ocean as they approach Manatee Bay.

Organizer of the event, Henry Menendez, of HNO Productions, has been gearing up for the race’s return many months ago. With the 2020 run canceled, Menendez expressed excitement over the hundreds of runners signed up for this year’s race. 

“Our goal with this race is to promote health and fitness throughout our Key Largo community while inviting people from all over the world to join our locals,” Menendez said. “In addition, we want to bring joy and excitement to our runners as they experience a beautiful sunrise on the Atlantic Ocean while running over the Jewfish Creek Bridge.”

Before the race begins, participants are invited to a meet-and-greet party with appetizers and drink specials on Friday, Nov. 12 at Key Largo Conch House, MM 100.2, oceanside. On Saturday, Nov. 13, runners can grab their race packets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at First State Bank in Key Largo, MM 97. Packets will also be available on the morning of the race, beginning at 5 a.m., at the starting line at Gilbert’s Resort access road. 

To fuel up the stomach with carbs, participants are also invited to a pasta party dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. at Doc’s Diner, MM 99, bayside. Tickets are $25 per person and are available for purchase at keylargobridgerun.com.

Following the race, awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers, overall masters male and female finishers and top three finishers from different age groups. Participants will also receive a T-shirt, hat and medal upon completion. 

An after-party is set after the race at The Catch, MM 102, in Key Largo. More details to come soon. 

Race entry fees are $110 per person for the half marathon during October and $115 in early November. Entry fee for the 5k run/walk is $55 per person ($40 for entrants ages 17 and under). Online registration is open.

Visit keylargobridgerun.com for more information.

KL Bridge Run 5K map: 5K participants will start at Gilbert’s Access Road and run onto Jewfish Creek Bridge overlooking the Key Largo Bay. The turnaround will be towards the end of the bridge and the participants will run to Jewfish Creek Bridge for a second time and return to Gilbert’s Access Road.

KL Bridge Run half marathon map: Half marathon will start at Gilbert’s Access Road and run onto Jewfish Creek Bridge overlooking the Key Largo Bay. The turnaround will be toward the end of the bridge and the participants will run Jewfish Creek Bridge for a second time. They will continue toward Manatee Bay with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The second turnaround is just after Manatee Bay with the ocean side next to them as they return to Gilbert’s Access Road

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.