Every Bridge Run finisher will receive race medallion

Record turnout projected

For the first time, every single person who finishes the United Way of St. Charles’ annual Bridge Run on Saturday will receive a special race medallion emblazoned with the Hale Boggs Bridge.

With the way participation in the race has increased each year, that’s going to be a lot of medals.

The Bridge Run, which has both a 10K and 5K race, will get underway on April 5 at 8:15 a.m. Last year, more than 1,900 people participated, which set a new event record. This year, United Way officials are projecting an even bigger turnout with 1,600 already registered.

“We hear from many participants that the view from the Hale Boggs Bridge can’t be beat, and I encourage anyone to participate in the event just to take advantage of the beauty St. Charles Parish has to offer,” John Dias, executive director of the United Way of St. Charles, said. “You can also feel good knowing your participation in this race will benefit the residents of St. Charles Parish directly.”

The 10K race begins in New Sarpy across from the Seafood Pot at 8:15 a.m. and will travel down the levee in front of Ormond Plantation, St. Charles Borromeo Church and Destrehan Plantation before uniting with the 5K runners and walkers at the foot of the Hale Boggs Bridge.

The 5K race starts at 8:40 a.m. at the East Bank Bridge Park in Destrehan and crosses the Hale Boggs Bridge to the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling.

While the 5K is still the more popular race, Melissa Frederick, campaign and marketing manager for the United Way of St. Charles, says the 10K has attracted a different race crowd.

“With the 10K race we are drawing more serious runners who are gearing up for the Crescent City Classic, which takes place two weeks later,” Frederick said.

The top three overall finishers for both men and women in the 5K and 10K, along with the top seniors and competitive race walkers, will receive awards.

After the race, participants can celebrate by listening to music, eating jambalaya and drinking Michelob Ultra Beer, Kentwood Springs water and Coca-Cola.

This year the United Way’s Bridge Run is included in the 2014 Louisiana Bridge Run series, which will give awards to all runners who complete the three races. St. Charles’ Bridge Run kicks off the series this Saturday and is followed by the Huey P. Long Bridge Run on May 3 and the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent Connection race on June 7.

All series finishers will receive a commemorative series medallion and will be invited to a unique awards ceremony.

Those interested in taking part in the Bridge Run can register on Friday, April 4 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the West Bank Bridge Park. Registration is $20 for children 17 and under or seniors 65 or older. Registration for everyone else is $30.

You may also register for the race on Saturday beginning at 6:30 a.m. at the West Bank Bridge Park, but registration is $25 for children 17 and under or seniors 65 or older and $40 for everyone else.