BALTIMORE – Runners and walkers from across the country are now taking a well-deserved break after crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
All day long, the eastbound side of the Bay Bridge is empty except for the thousands of people participating in the Bridge Run on the Bay Bridge.
The run/walk is a unique way to traverse iconic landmarks and have a little fun.
Matthew Hall says the Bay Bridge Run is a moment he and his family will never forget.
“My parents moved to the area about eight years ago, and that's when we learned about racing,” said Pennsylvania resident Matthew Hall.
Hall was one of the thousands of people who crossed the Chesapeake Bay for the Bay Bridge Run on Sunday. He ran the race with his wife as his two daughters and family cheered him on.
“It's a very unique race because there's only one day a year you can walk across the Bay Bridge,” Hall explained.
“They both like to run a lot, so it's cool to see them running in new places all the time,” Hall's daughter said.
“It's so cool to watch them race,” explained Ms. Hall's other daughter.
There will be no cars on the eastbound side of the bridge for the entire day. For Greg Aker, this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
“It's just a unique race. I mean, how often do you run something like that?” said Greg Aker after the run.
The race starts from Anne Arundel County to Kent Island in Queen Anne County. Race organizers and county officials say it's a reason to celebrate not just the athleticism, but the beauty and spirit of the region.
“Our goal is to get as many people as possible to participate as part of our events. If you're running, you're volunteering, you're here to support your friends. “That's what we want. We want to bring the community together,” said Ryan Corrigan, vice president of development for Corrigan Sports Enterprises.
Ms Corrigan said the run-walk was a team effort and would have a significant economic impact on both counties.
“But let's be honest, we need a great team in Corrigan Sports, but we also have a great team of different organizations working together,” Corrigan said.
For those who run, it's also about reaching new heights
“My girlfriend and I are trying to run a half marathon in every state. It's not a half marathon, but I did run the 10 mile in Baltimore a few years ago,” Aker explained. that. “
For others, the Bay Bridge Run is also a reminder to others to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
“Today, walk out your front door and do one thing: Run to the end of your driveway, run to the end of the block,” Hall said. “Run around your neighborhood once, then run a little bit every day. You'll start to get better little by little.”
“It might come back around here,” Aker said.
The race ended at Chesapeake Bay Business Park. Ocean City native and singer Jimmy Charles performed at the post-race party.
On Sunday, 17,000 to 18,000 runners from 48 states and six countries gathered for the 10K (6.2 mile) race.
For more information about the Bay Bridge Run, click on this website.
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Jenee Reese
