There’s a sense in the Keys that things are returning to normal, finally: the 7 Mile Bridge Run will take place in 2021. Organizers have announced that the 40th annual contest is a go for Saturday, April 17, but only for those who secured a bib for the canceled 2020 race.
“It is open to those that were successfully registered (and were not disqualified for various reasons) for the 2020 run,” said a statement posted on the run’s Facebook page. “We understand that some registered 2020 runners may choose not to participate; however, there will be no deferments and no transfers.”
Details about registration, mitigating COVID-19 controls and race details will be communicated via email to last year’s registered runners this week.
It was a sobering moment on March 13, 2020, when the 7 Mile Bridge Run was canceled due to fears surrounding the spread of COVID-19. As locals know, it takes a lot to stop this massive, concerted, choreographed moment when a federal highway is shut down for three hours and 1,500 racers storm across. Organizers didn’t return the 2020 race fees as much of the organizational costs had already been spent. T-shirts and medals, however, were mailed out about a month after the event was to have happened.
Many dedicated 7 Mile Bridge runners ran a “virtual race” in 2020, mapping out a similar distance in cities around the country and posting them to social media. Registering for the race, capped at 1,500 runners, is a very competitive process. The field is usually filled in minutes when registration opens.
Organizers have pledged to follow all the coronavirus safety protocols for 2021’s 40th annual 7 Mile Bridge Run.
“ The seriousness of COVID-19 weighs heavily on our organization. The decisions made up to this point have been carefully vetted and not taken lightly,” organizers said in a prepared statement. “These decisions have been based on our love for our community and knowing we would never act in a manner that would reflect poorly on those who have graciously supported us for the past 40 years including our runners, volunteers, staff, City of Marathon personnel, or event sponsors. You can trust we will make every effort to make this year’s run a safe and fun run.”
In 2019, Marathon local Jonathan Pitchford was the first runner to cross the finish line, in 39 minutes flat. The year prior, it was local Aydan Child who placed first.
Proceeds from the 7 Mile Bridge Run support Marathon Middle High School and Stanley Switlik Elementary’s athletic and academic programs, as well as other local nonprofits. In 2018, race organizers donated a total of almost $95,000.
