BRUNSWICK, Georgia: Jan. 24, 2012 – A record number of runners is
expected to enter the Southeast Georgia Health System 2012 Bridge Run
on Saturday, Feb. 18. Unique among bridge runs, the event takes place
entirely on the 7,780-foot long Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick, Ga.
At its center, the bridge measures 480 feet high above the Brunswick River,
the tallest span in the state. Certified by the U.S. Track and Field Association
as “the toughest 5K in Georgia,” the course is sufficiently
difficult to entice professionals and experienced amateurs, and manageable
enough for walkers of all ages to enjoy.
The Bridge Run has grown exponentially in recent years, as word of the
event has spread throughout the running community. Registration is a bargain
at $25 per person prior to Feb. 13, with a $2 discount offered for teams
of 10 or more. Radiofrequency chip technology will be used to ensure accurate
race results. Prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250, provided by sponsor Pinova,
are offered in the overall male and female categories. Aside from the
fastest male and female runners, fastest team and best team spirit will
also be recognized. A new category, the “Oldie but Goodie”
award was added this year to celebrate the oldest participant.
Start times are:
8 a.m. Runners 8:30 a.m. Fire Fighter Challenge, with teams of five firefighters
in full gear 9 a.m. Walkers
Competitors will run across and return over the Sidney Lanier Bridge. The
bridge’s southbound lanes will be closed to traffic from 6 a.m.
until 1 p.m. 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 performances by the Bridge Run Band (top of bridge)
and local musical group Soul Gravy (bottom of bridge) Live radio remote
by Wave 104.1 and Magic 105.9 Food vendors & Runners Expo
“We look forward to once again hosting this fun, healthy family event
for the tenth year running,” 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 Kenya, and to meeting new participants
as the event continues to grow and get better each year. ”
Proceeds will benefit the Health System’s cancer care programs.
Runners must register by Feb. 13, 2012 through www.sghs.org or www.active.com,
or by calling 800-537-5142, ext. 2786. Each registered participant can
pick up his or her bib number and T-shirt at the Pasta Party and Runner's
EXPO, to be held on Friday, Feb.17, from 5-8 pm at Coastal Kitchen Grill
& Raw Bar at Golden Isles Marina on St. Simons Island. The cost of
the party is $5 per person. Registrants can also pick up their numbers
and T-shirts on Saturday morning no later than 30 minutes prior to their
event. Walkers will also be able to register at Glynn Middle School on
Lanier Blvd. in Brunswick from 7-8 a.m. the morning of the race. Only
participants who pre-register will be guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt.
Because of the steep grade on the bridge, no baby strollers, running strollers
or roller blades will be permitted during the Bridge Run. For more information,
please call 912-466-BRUN (2786).