Last year marked a return to spring for the United Way of St. Charles’ Bridge Run after COVID, weather and bridge construction either canceled the event altogether or moved it to another time of year.
United Way of St. Charles Executive Director John Dias is thrilled for a return to normalcy.
“It feels great,” he said. “Between COVID, Ida, a rain out and bridge construction, last year was the first time we were back to normal in years.”
The chip-timed 5K race will start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. Race day registration and packet pickup opens at the West Bank Bride Park earlier that day at 6:30 a.m.
The 5k raises awareness and funds for UWSC. The St. Charles Parish race is part of a three bridge race series. Runners who complete all three races – which also includes ones across the Huey P. Long and Crescent City Connection bridges – receive a special race medallion.
“The bridge really is the ‘fun’ of the event,” Dias said. “The Hale Boggs Bridge is iconic in our community but the Bridge Run is the only time when people have a chance to run or walk across it and really appreciate the views it offers, and the challenges!”
Last year, 1,200 people participated in the event.
The race starts at the East Bank Bridge Park and ends at the West Bank Bridge Park where runners and walkers can enjoy food and drinks. Free bus transportation will take participants from the race day registration site on the West Bank to the race’s start on the East Bank.
“We also have several physical therapy vendors to provide stretching and massages for the participants,” Tamara Plattsmier, volunteer and event manager for the United Way, said.
Jambalaya will be provided by Cornerstone Chemical and CF Industries, while Valero will supply pastalaya. St. Charles Parish Hospital and Shell will provide fresh fruit, St. Charles Parish Public Schools will offer free snowballs and Dow will serve sweets.
Entry fees for the those who are between the ages of 18-64 are $30 by April 12 and $35 the day of the race. For those 17 and under, and those over the age of 65, registration is $20 by April 12 and $25 the day of the race.
Custom medallions will be presented to all race finishers. For more information or to register, visit www.uwaysc.org
