Thursday, August 8, 2013

OVERachievers: Bridge Run Finale Event

I'm not one to run while wearing a costume, even though its encouraged at runDisney races and any event that happens during October. However, I'm starting to consider the purchase of a red hooded cape. After a summer of races that were part of the Louisiana Bridge Run Series and NOLA Trail Run Series, I've been over the river and through the woods enough times to make a fairy tale character jealous.

The Louisiana Bridge Run Series concluded last night with the presentation of medals and awards for participants in all three races. The ceremony took place at The Roux House, the party room upstairs from Walk-On's and Happy's on Poydras Street in downtown New Orleans. It was held in conjunction with Happy's NOLA Running Club that occurs every Wednesday, with roughly a hundred runners doing a 3-mile course that changes weekly.

I had pre-determined dinner plans this week, and couldn't participate in the group run. Instead, I ran on my own from my downtown gym about 45 minutes prior to the scheduled run. As I was finishing, I could see the group take off from Happy's, so I had plenty of time to shower and change to be ready for dinner after the Bridge Run event.

Every runner who participated in all three of the races in the Louisiana Bridge Run Series (read recaps here from The United Way of St. Charles Bridge Run, The Crescent City Connection Bridge Run, and The Great Huey P. Long Bridge Run) received a special medal commemorating their achievement. There were also giant glass mugs presented to award winners in age divisions. A great crowd attended the event, and it was a nice reception for the series' runners. Drink specials and food were definitely a draw, and overall it was a great atmosphere for participants to socialize in while waiting for the awards.

I'm hoping the Bridge Run Series continues and grows in 2014. Event organizers did a great job putting on the races, and The Great Huey P. Long Bridge run was an awesome addition to the summer race schedule. Now, who's with me to petition for a marathon across the 26 miles of the Causeway?


9 comments:

  1. I like the medal for the series. Nice! Congratulations on completing all three bridge runs without falling over the side (my greatest fear haha).

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    1. The photo of the medal doesn't do it justice, Katherine. Its pretty large, and the ribbon is really nice. I'm currently regretting not taking a photo of the Boudin balls they served at the party. Equally impressive.

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  2. There already was a marathon across the Causeway. Not sure why they stopped but I'm sure it had to do with limited space and someone probably fell in the lake...

    1979 to 1984

    Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge course. Started in Mandeville and finished on Veterans Boulevard -- at the flagpole in Metairie.

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    1. Fell or was pushed in? Either way, likely story. I was actually aware of it existing at some point, just didn't know the years. I was 1 the last time it happened. Let's bring it back. You're gonna do it with me, Kevin?

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  3. Google assisted me with the years. Maybe by that time I'll be ready.

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  4. Congrats on completing the series. I'm a fan of social events for runners where they're not wearing spandex.

    26.2 of no shade?! That does not sound like fun.

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    1. There was still a lot of dry-fit material present since it was in conjunction with a group run, but I too am I fan of social events for runners outside of workouts. I'd be up for a run across the Causeway just to say I did it, but a lot would have to be run before sun-up or after sun-down. It would be brutal otherwise.

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  5. Very nice! Congrats Fred!

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