Hundreds of racers are gearing up to conquer the iconic Jewfish Creek Bridge, a gateway into the Florida Keys, and the scenic course en route to Key Largo for the 10th running of the First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run presented by Keys Weekly on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Participants in the half marathon and 4-mile run/walk will revel in the scenes as they make their way over the bridge into the Uppers Keys, with beautiful views of the Oceanside and the eastern edges of the Everglades.undreds of racers are gearing up to conquer the iconic Jewfish Creek Bridge, a gateway into the Florida Keys, and the scenic course en route to Key Largo for the 10th running of the First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run presented by Keys Weekly on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Since its inception 10 years ago, the bridge run has attracted participants throughout the U.S. and around the globe, including Puerto Rico, Europe, Canada and the Bahamas. Taking off near Gilbert’s Resort, the race is a challenging and exhilarating experience for all who participate.
“We are honored to be a part of this event in beautiful Key Largo,” said Henry Menendez, organizer of the Key Largo Bridge Run and president of HNO Productions. “Not only is this a well-known community event, but bringing the half marathon back on its 10th anniversary puts this event on the map nationally and globally. We look forward to producing this race for years to come.”
Events kick off Friday, Nov. 8 with Pasta Palooza at Doc’s Diner, 99696 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, from 5 to 8 p.m. All proceeds benefit Key Largo Rotary.
The racing begins Nov. 9 at 6 a.m. with the half marathon; the 4-mile run/walk starts an hour later. The starting line for both races is on the access road leading to Gilbert’s Resort. The finish line will be at Rowell’s Park, MM 104, bayside. The course will be USATF certified and timed. After the race, participants can reunite with family and friends at Rowell’s Waterfront Park while enjoying food, refreshments and music.
All participants will receive a shirt and a medal after crossing the finish line. There will also be overall and age group awards. Key Largo’s Carmen Sotolongo-Kelley designed the ribbons for the participant medals.
More information is at www.keylargobridgerun.com, on Facebook or in your local Keys Weekly newspaper.
4-Run Mile/Walk
- Start on Access Road and go north
- Right on southbound Overseas Highway and go south
- Right on Rowell’s Waterfront Park and go west
Half Marathon
- Start on Access Road and go north
- Left on southbound Overseas Highway and go north
- Turnaround on southbound Overseas Highway and go south
- Right on Rowell’s Waterfront Park and go west
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will take place Friday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at First State Bank, 97670 Overseas Highway, MM 97, Key Largo. Race morning packet pickup will be Saturday, Nov. 9 from 5 to 7 a.m. at Gilbert’s Resort Access Road, MM 108, Key Largo.
Traffic advisory
All traffic will be diverted to 905 & Card Sound Road starting at 4 a.m. and traffic patterns should be back to normal by 10 a.m.
Parking
Parking will be at Rowell’s Waterfront Park and Key Largo School. Shuttles will be taking participants to the Start Line located at Gilbert’s Access Road. If you are looking to leave early, prior to 10 a.m., park at Key Largo School since the road leading out of Rowell’s will be closed.
