BRUNSWICK, Georgia: Jan. 31, 2011 – It’s time again to push
your fitness levels to new heights.
he Ninth Annual Southeast Georgia Health System Bridge Run across the scenic
Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick, Ga., is scheduled for Saturday, Feb.
19. This year’s run will benefit the Health System’s cancer
care programs and promises to be a bigger and better event with more entertainment
and a larger group of firefighter challengers.
The Run is considered the toughest 5K run in the state of Georgia and was
certified in 2009 by the United States Track & Field Association.
Competitors will run across and return over the Sidney Lanier Bridge,
the tallest span in Georgia at an impressive 480 feet at the apex and
7,000 feet long. The event begins on the southbound side of the bridge
on Highway 17. The bridge’s southbound lanes will be closed to traffic
from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. To accommodate the anticipated crowd of approximately
2,000 runners and walkers, there are new start times for the 2011 event:
- 8:30 a.m. Runners (Individuals)
- 9 a.m. Fire Fighter Challenge
- 9:10 a.m. Teams (Runners & Walkers)
- 9:30 a.m. Walkers (Individuals)
- 11 a.m. Awards Presentation
Although the Run is considered quite challenging and should not be attempted
by those who have not properly trained, there will be plenty of other
activities for the entire family. These include:
- 5K Walk
- Live Entertainment from the top of the bridge and at the bottom of the
bridge with Mason Waters & Friends and Soul Gravy
- Live Radio Remote by Wave 104.1 and Magic 105.9
- Food & Vendors
There are awards in 18 different categories. New this year is the “Fast
but Last” category which will be presented to the last registered
runner on the Bridge. There are also awards for “Fastest Team,”
and “Best Team Spirit.” Cash prizes, provided by sponsor Pinova,
will be awarded in the men’s and women’s overall fastest finish
categories—First Place: $1,000; Second Place: $500; and Third Place: $250.
“We look forward to once again hosting this fun, healthy family event,”
says Gary R. Colberg, FACHE, Southeast Georgia Health System President
and CEO. “This health-focused event benefits our cancer care programs
and fits into the Health System’s mission of providing quality health
care to the communities we serve. We are excited to welcome back runners
and walkers who have participated before, some from as far away as Germany,
and to meeting new participants as the event continues to grow and get
better each year. ” There will also be a pre-race Pasta Party where
participants will be able to pick up their pre-registration packet, along
with their bib numbers and Run T-shirts. The party will be held Friday,
Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m. on the deck of Coastal Kitchen Seafood and Raw
Bar at the Golden Isles Marina, St. Simons Island. The cost of the Pasta
Party is $5. For more information, contact Susan Bates at 912-466-5165
or 912-258-8220.
All packets must be picked up no later than 30 minutes prior to a participant’s
start time on Saturday morning. Registration is required to participate
in the Bridge Run. Participants can register on-line at www.sghs.org or
www.active.com. The cost is $25 before Feb. 12 and $35 thereafter. For
persons joining a team of 10 or more members, the fee is $23 per person.
The fee for the Pasta Party is $5. All runners must register prior to
the race—there will be no race day registration for runners this
year. Walkers, however, will be able to register the day of the event
between 7 and 8 a.m. at Glynn Middle School, 635 Lanier Blvd. Only participants
who pre-register will be guaranteed a commemorative long-sleeve T-shirt.
Because of the steep grade of the bridge, no baby strollers, running strollers
or roller blades will be allowed during the Bridge Run. For more information,
contact Susan Bates at 912-466-5165 or 912-258-8220.