Hundreds of foot racers are to experience the panorama above the Upper Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades in the annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run set for Saturday, Nov. 10.
Runners of all ages can enjoy the scenic race that for 2018 is to be a revamped 10k and 5k run/walk event. Since its inception, participants from the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Canada and Europe have been attracted to the unique bridge race, spearheaded this year by new event organizers.
The out-and-back USA Track & Field–certified course is to start at the bridge entrance at Gilbert’s Resort, mile marker 107.9, and cross the 65-foot-high Jewfish Creek Bridge, considered the entryway to the Florida Keys.
Racers are to occupy the northbound lanes of the bridge and the southern portion of the 18-Mile Stretch, the section of the Overseas Highway that connects mainland South Florida with Key Largo.
According to race organizers, runners are to gather for a start time of 7:30 a.m. Each race concludes at 9:30 a.m. Awards are to be presented to the overall top three male and female finishers, overall masters male and female finishers, and the top three finishers in different age groups. All runners receive a medal upon completion.
Runners can pick up race packets Friday at a to-be-determined location, as well as the morning of the race starting at 6 a.m. Nonrefundable race entry fees are $30 per person for the 5k and $45 per person for the 10k. Online registration is available, and the first 1,000 registrants receive a T-shirt. Registration fees increase after 11:59 p.m. Oct. 11, and for late registrants, per-person race-day fees are $45 for the 5k and $60 for the 10k, according to organizers.
Event information and registration: keylargobridgerun.com