After organizers canceled last year’s event because of rain, the United Way of St. Charles’ Bridge Run returns Saturday, March 28, with over 1,000 runners already registered.
The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Harry M. Hurst Middle School in Destrehan and ends at West Bank Bridge Park in Luling after crossing the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge.
Runners can register now through race day. Registration is $50, with discounted rates for youth and seniors. Packet pickup is Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at Harry M. Hurst Middle School, or Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at West Bank Bridge Park.
Tamara Plattsmier, volunteer and events manager at United Way of St. Charles, said participants should be aware of the new starting line at Harry M. Hurst Middle School.
“We made that adjustment last year due to construction,” Plattsmier said. “After working with our new race management team, it was determined that this setup is safer and works better for the flow of the race. This year will be the first year we use the new course start line.”
New Orleans Track Club is the new race management team, and Benjamin Burke is the race director.
“I think people will really notice the difference as the event is going to feel brighter, more organized and just overall refreshed,” Plattsmier said. “I think you’ll really see that reflected in everything from race timing to the design of the medals and the overall runner experience.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Bridge Run. The United Way of St. Charles is also partnering with the parish for its America 250 celebration.
“Everything has a fun patriotic theme, making it feel bigger and more exciting,” Plattsmier said. “We’ve also added a few things we don’t normally have — like live music. Nashville South will be playing at the finish line, which I think is going to bring a really fun energy to the event. We will also have a photo booth for runners this year.”
The Run United Post-Race Bash will also include jambalaya, pastalaya, fruit, soft drinks, complimentary beer by Southern Eagle and snowballs. Race participants will receive a custom 30th anniversary United Way Bridge Run T-shirt and a commemorative finisher medal.
“This event is always a fun and active way to bring the community together to connect and celebrate,” Plattsmier said.
As of Monday, March 23, about 1,050 runners were registered – an increase from roughly 800 participants in the days leading up to last year’s race.
Plattsmier said last year’s cancellation likely contributed to this year’s strong turnout. Organizers offered a 50 percent discount to registrants to come back and run this year.
“We’re really excited about the momentum we’re seeing,” she said.
So far this year, the organization has raised about $69,500 through sponsorships and race registrations, with proceeds benefiting community initiatives across the parish.
“We’re still expecting that number to grow leading up to race day,” Plattsmier said. “We’ve also had great support from community partners through in-kind donations that help make the event possible.”
The event is sponsored by Shell Norco and Valero St. Charles Refinery.
Parking is available at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary, all schools on Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling, West Bank Bridge Park, and the St. Charles Parish School Board. Parking on the levee is prohibited.
Free shuttle buses will transport registered participants from West Bank Bridge Park to the starting line from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Return shuttles to the East Bank will run from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. following the race.
