There is still time to register for the 29th annual St. Charles Bridge Run, a 5k race that leads runners over the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge. This year, registration will not end until 8:15 a.m. on race day. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29 at Harry Hurst Middle School. Registration is $35.
As of Monday, March 17, nearly 800 runners had registered for the race. The United Way of St. Charles Parish expects even more runners to register for the run, according to Tamara Plattsmier, volunteer and event manager for the UWSC.
“We typically see a surge in registrations closer to race day, as many participants wait to check the weather,” Plattsmier said.
This year’s race will be managed by a new company – the New Orleans Track Club, which is led by Benjamin Burke.
“With the new race management team, we anticipate an improved overall experience for participants, including streamlined logistics and an enhanced race-day atmosphere,” Plattsmier said.
The packet pick-up location on race day is also new this year. Runners must get their packets at the start line at Harry Hurst Middle School, not at the Finish Fest. Runners who have not picked up their bibs and shirts beforehand must do so between 6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. at the start line. Runners can also pick up their packet on Friday, March 28 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at West Bank Bridge Park.
The Finish Fest is open to all registered race participants and no additional ticket is required. The celebratory post-race gathering is held at West Bank Bridge Park, where runners, sponsors and supporters can enjoy food, drinks and music.
At Finish Fest, Valero St. Charles Refinery will provide free pastalaya and CF Industries and Cornerstone Energy Park will provide free jambalaya. Shell Norco and Ochsner St. Charles Parish Hospital will provide fresh fruit. St. Charles Parish Public Schools will provide snowballs and participants 21 and older can enjoy free beer. The event will also feature a live DJ and vendor tents and sponsor booths.
The Bridge Run is sponsored by Shell Norco and co-sposored Valero St. Charles Refinery, and participation in the event supports the United Way of St. Charles. The Bridge Run is the largest road race across the Mississippi River.
The race begins at Harry Hurt Middle School and ends at West Bank Bridge Park. Parking is available at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary, all schools located on Judge Edward Dufrense Parkway in Luling, West Bank Bridge Park, and the St. Charles Parish School Board. Parking on the levee is prohibited. Shuttle buses will be provided to all registered participants headed to the start line and will run from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
