UWSC gears up for 12th bridge run

The United Way of St. Charles is gearing up for its 12th annual 5K Bridge Run, which is the only race in the country that allows participants to transverse the Mississippi River.

The race is dubbed “Louisiana's Altitude Challenge” because runners start below sea level and climb to heights of 442 feet at the top of the bridge's surface. That’s higher than the Superdome and the Statue of Liberty.

Not only will runners get a beautiful view of the magnificent river as they rush through the course on April 5, but they also get the chance to compete for their share of $4,000.

The first place finishers for both men and women will each get $500, while the second place winners will receive $300. Finishing third will guarantee a $250 prize. In addition, there will also be winners in both the masters and grand masters division, along with seniors and walkers. Those prizes range from $100 to $150.

Last year's race raised $52,000.

Anyone setting a course record will also receive an extra $500. The current course record for the men is 14:28 and was set by Passmore Fursu in 1997. The women's record is 17:00 set by Melissa Cook in 2005.

The race is expected to draw over 1,800 competitors, with the runners starting at 8:30 a.m. and the walkers beginning the course two minutes later.

During and after the event, there will also be numerous activities for the entire family. These will consists of face painting, inflatables and pony rides, along with a dunking booth, the bookmobile, raffles and 50/50.

Refreshments will be provided by Kentwood Spring Water, Michelob and Coca-Cola and there will also be plenty of jambalaya on hand.

The sounds of The Wise Guys, with a special guest appearance by Superintendent Rodney Lafon, will serenade the gathering.
Those who register before March 31 have to pay $20, while those registering after that date must pay $25. Packet pickup and late registration will take place a day before the event on April 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Competitors may pick up their race number and t-shirt during that time or on April 5, which is the day of the race. To register for the race, visit either www.runNOTC.org or www.uwaysc.org .