Jan. 7, 2015 – As the Southeast Georgia Health System 2015 Bridge
Run approaches, Erin VanRyn, a resident of West Chester, PA, will aim
to be in Brunswick on Feb. 14 for the race. “This will be my second
attempt. Last year I got stuck in a terrible snowstorm in Pennsylvania
and could not fly out. I had T-shirts made for my dad and I was going
to surprise him the night before the race.”
VanRyn’s t-shirts for the 2014 Bridge Run read ‘I ran the Southeast
Georgia Health System Bridge Run with my
72 year old
dad’ and ‘I’m 72 and ran the Southeast Georgia Health
System Bridge Run.’ Her parents, originally from Pennsylvania, recently
retired and reside at Marsh’s Edge on St. Simons Island.
Although she’s yet to participate in the Bridge Run
,VanRyn
loves the scenery and view from the top of the Sidney Lanier Bridge. At
it’s highest point, the bridge measures 480 feet high, making it
the tallest span in the state. “I have only experienced it once
when my dad took me there on my last visit to St. Simons Island. It was
windy but the scenery was amazing and made me forget about the wind and
hill incline,” says VanRyn.
VanRyn said she first became interested in the Bridge Run, which benefits
the Health System’s cancer care programs, through her father, Harry
Boal. At age 72, he plans to participate in the race with his daughter
this year. “He’s my inspiration,” says VanRyn.
Krista Robitz, director, Development, Southeast Georgia Health System Foundation
and
Bridge Run chairperson, explains that although the Bridge Run is considered
challenging and should not be attempted by those not properly trained
there will be plenty of other activities for the entire family. “The
5K Walk offers an opportunity for everyone, no matter their age or athletic
ability, to experience the fun and sportsmanship of the event, as well
as to participate in raising funds for the Health System’s cancer
care programs. There’s also music, food
and
a Vendors
and Runners’ Expo with lots of shopping opportunities from running
shoes to sunglasses to motorcycles!”
To help prepare for the Bridge Run, VanRyn highly recommends training sessions.
“Train on hills and inclines; enjoy the first run down, because
you have to turn around and go back up.”
“We’re very excited about the race this year and thankful for
all of the participants, both residents of the local community and those
who come from out of town to join in the fun,” adds Robitz.
The registration fee for both the run and the walk is $25 per person before
Jan. 13, $30 January 13-February 3, and increases to $40 on Feb. 4 through
the deadline of Feb. 11. There is a $2 discount per person for teams of
10 or more. Those competing in the 5K run must register by Feb. 11, through
www.sghs.org or www.active.com, or by calling 800-537-5142, ext. 2786.
Those participating in the 5K walk may register on the day of the event
from 7-9 a.m. Because of the steep grade on the bridge, baby strollers,
running strollers or roller blades are NOT permitted during the Bridge
Run. For more information, please call 912-466-BRUN (2786).