A scenic run into the Florida Keys returns for the 14th year on Saturday, Dec. 7 for the First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run. Runners will take to Jewfish Creek Bridge as they challenge their best times. Walkers will go for a relaxing stroll as the sun rises over the course.
Motorists driving into the Florida Keys from the 18-Mile Stretch can see Florida Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other as they pass over the bridge. It’s an instantaneous feeling of relief and a continuous “wow” factor.
For runners and walkers in this year’s Key Largo Bridge Run, the breaths of salt air and the sights from the bridge under the morning sun will be memorable. The 5K event gives participants the chance to run or walk the final part of the 18-Mile Stretch — the gateway to the Keys. The mostly flat course brings picturesque views overlooking Florida Bay and Barnes Sound.
This year’s run and walk will start from a new location. Bridge runners will set out from the access road leading to Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club, just off the Jewfish Creek Bridge at MM 107.8, at 7:30 a.m. From there, they’ll run or walk a course that takes them onto Jewfish Creek Bridge. Runners will turn around and head back over the bridge and return to the access road leading to Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club, where they will reunite with friends and family and enjoy music, drinks and food. The race will end around 9:30 a.m.
Coming off a successful Old Highway Run in Islamorada on Nov. 16, Key Largo Bridge Run organizer Henry Menendez, of HNO Productions, is ready to welcome some 500 participants back for one of the more unusual races on the island chain.
“With this race, we strive and promote health and well-being within our community and all over the world,” Menendez said. “In addition, we encourage everyone to enjoy the beautiful sights from the top of the bridge while admiring one of the most spectacular views of our beautiful island.”
A participant pre-party is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Catch Restaurant and Bar, MM 102, oceanside. Entrants are encouraged to attend to meet other runners and walkers, and to get the latest event information from organizers.
Friday evening, Dec. 6, Italian Food Company, located in the median at 98070 Overseas Highway, will welcome race participants with dinner specials on select pizza and pasta dishes.
On the morning of the race, due to limited on-site parking, participants and spectators are encouraged to use the free parking and shuttle service at Key Largo School, MM 104 oceanside. Pre-race shuttles will depart from the school between 6 and 7 a.m., and travel from the finish line back to the school between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
The awards ceremony is scheduled immediately after the race at the Anchorage Resort. Awards await the top three male and female overall finishers, masters male and female finishers, and the top three finishers in different age groups. Each participant earns a medal on completion.
Several food trucks will be on site during the awards ceremony. A post-race celebration will follow at the Catch Restaurant and Bar.
Registration is $40 for those ages 17 and under and $60 for all other participants. The first 500 registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
Visit keylargobridgerun.com for more information.
Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly