THE ‘NEED TO KNOW’ INFO
Bridge Closed to Vehicular Traffic: Saturday, April 2, 6 to 9 a.m. Even if you “know somebody.” Plan accordingly.
Packet Pickup: Friday, April 1 from noon to 8 p.m. at Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club. Runners must pick up only their own numbers and must present photo identification with an address matching the address used during registration.
Parking: Limited free parking for runners will be available at 1 Knights Key Blvd. (near Isla Bella Beach Resort and Sunset Grille) between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m.
Getting to the start line: A bus shuttle for bibbed runners only will run from 1 Knights Key Blvd. to the west end of the bridge. All runners must be seated on a bus no later than 5:40 a.m., and the final bus shuttle will leave at 5:45 a.m. Bibbed runners from the Lower Keys may be dropped off in the turn lane of Veteran’s Park on the west side of the bridge.
Beat the bus: The race begins at 6:45 a.m., and buses will start their slow sweep from the west end of the bridge at 8:20 a.m. If a bus pulls up to a runner, he or she is expected to board immediately.
Time to run it back(wards).
For the second year in a row, the annual race across the Keys’ longest bridge will be run from west to east instead of its traditional direction. But unlike the 2021 race, in which the only runners allowed to register were the ones who paid for the canceled 2020 contest, the 2022 iteration of the run will see the competitive field return to its full 1,500-runner capacity.
“We have people coming from 41 states, and even some from Canada, Germany and Singapore,” said race organizer Ginger Sayer. “Registration sold out in less than three minutes.”
The lead pack should see a blazing pace, as the overall winners – and many of the top trios – from the last three races are set to compete: 2021 champion Collin Wainwright of Chester, Pennsylvania and Marathon’s own Jonathan Pitchford (2019) and Aydan Child (2018). But as always, the race is for everyone.
“We have four 7-year-olds that are running, and an 85-year-old gentleman and a 75-year-old woman,” said Sayer.
As a massive annual fundraiser, this year’s race will send more than $87,000 back to Marathon schools and community programs. More than $12,000 will go to Stanley Switlik Elementary School classrooms and programs, MMHS athletic department teams and programs will see more than $66,000, and other Marathon community programs will receive upwards of $9,000.
The return of the race’s full contingent of runners underscores the importance of the event’s volunteers and organizational partners. Although their steadfast commitment to supporting the race could easily be taken for granted after so many years, Sayer was quick to highlight those who make the classic race a possibility.
“We have a lot of the same people doing the same thing for 41 years. Mike Puto, (MCSO) Capt. Don Hiller and his gang, these kinds of people have been integral in our planning,” said Sayer. “Sponsors like Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Keys Federal Credit Union, Michelob Ultra, Publix and many others make the run possible.”
“Isla Bella Beach Resort, Faro Blanco and Sunset Grille have been so hospitable in working with us to provide space for our parking, packet pickup and afterparty,” she continued. “These resorts and the restaurant are so busy, sometimes beyond their limits. For them to go above and beyond for something local is something we truly appreciate.”v
