After weather sidelined so many runners last year by causing the cancellation of the United Way of St. Charles’ annual Bridge Run, they’ll have their first chance in two years to cross the Hale Boggs Bridge in competition this Saturday.
This year’s 5K run (and walk, for those seeking some less intense cardio while still having a good time) begins at 8:30 a.m. at the East Bank Bridge Park in Destrehan. From there, participants embark on what is the nation’s largest road race across the Mississippi River. Awaiting them just past the finish line is entrance to the West Bank Bridge Park and the event’s free after party featuring music, food and refreshments.
This will be the 23rd year since the event was created, and race coordinator Tamara Plattsmier hopes that after a year off, there will be a strong turnout of eager participants.
“You get to cross that bridge once a year, see that view of the Mississippi River, and enjoy that family-friendly environment,” Plattsmier said, noting she hopes to have about 2,000 runners registered by race time.
Plattsmier noted there are other events to compete with during this busy weekend, but that the day of the race was chosen with respect to the upcoming Bridge Run series races in mind. Those who complete each of the Hale Boggs, Crescent City Connection and Huey P. Long races will receive a special commemorative medal.
Plattsmier said the Hale Boggs race is traditionally used by many runners as a way to train for the Crescent City Classic, which falls on April 20.
Once the run is complete, participants can head into the West Bank Bridge Park for the after party and reenergize with some tasty food supplied by Cornerstone and Valero, as well as refreshments, all supplied free of charge. Bananas will be provided by Shell Norco and oranges by St. Charles Parish Hospital. A DJ will be on hand to keep the musical entertainment flowing. And a new wrinkle this year will be supplied by River Region Rehab, which will offer free massages following the race for participating runners.
This year’s event will be presented by Shell-Norco and co-presented by Valero.
Registration is open now through the morning of the race. Online registration is closed, but those interested may register early by going to the United Way of St. Charles office, at 13207 River Road in Luling, where they can pick up their packet and T-shirt, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today (April 4). On Friday (April 5), registration is open at the West Bank Bridge Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m.
Race statistics will be recorded by chip-based timing this year, something the event’s planners decided to return to by popular demand.
“We had the chip-timing two years ago, and it seemed to be popular,” Plattsmier said. “We’re hoping it will encourage a few more people to participate. It promotes some friendly competition for people who can now check their times. And with it being the first race of the series with the Huey P. Long and Crescent City Connection bridge races, which we’re partnered with, it gives people who do two or all three a chance to compare their performance.”
There will also be a “team challenge” trophy for the team with the most registered participants.
“As for the runners, I think it doesn’t matter if they come in first, middle of the pack or last, it’s that feeling of accomplishment that you were able to beat the bridge,” Plattsmier said.
There will be free bus transportation available prior to the race from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. The buses will depart from the West Bank Bridge Park to the run’s start at the East Bank Bridge Park. Those parking near the East Bank Bridge Park must have their race number with them.
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