This year marked Brunswick's 9th annual Bridge Run on the Sidney Lanier Bridge, which is the longest and tallest (480 feet) bridge in the state. Last year, I was an official photographer for the race, but since this year's race fell on my 32nd birthday, I decided to run the 5K, which is over the bridge and back.
Since the Bridge Run proceeds benefit the Southeast Georgia Health System's local cancer care programs, I decided I would run in memory of Bob, my mom's fiance who lost his battle with cancer 8 months ago.
I was originally going to make a running shirt to honor Bob but ran out of time. Instead, I pinned a red, white, and blue ribbon to my new running shirt (Bob was a Army Veteran of the Vietnam and Korean wars) and drew a heart with a peace sign in it to mimic the necklace he had sent my mom from Vietnam when they were in love the first time around right out of high school. (They eventually lost touch and many years later, rekindled their relationship. He was an amazing man!!)
A record 2,195 people turned out for the individual and team races, as well as the walk, and it was a beautiful warm spring morning with clear, blue skies. The individual run started at 8:30am, and as we lined up, I was so excited...after all, this was my first race! The bridge, which I had only run once in its entirety, is quite the challenge, but with this being my birthday morning, I had an extra spring in my step. When the race began, it was so cool to hear all the people cheering for us. With Bon Jovi singing in my ears, I conqured the bridge in 39:06, which was under my 40-minute goal.
Race photos by Bobby Haven
What a fun run and a great way to start my birthday! I will definitely be participating again, but until then, I look forward to running on the bridge whenever my little heart desires. It's only down the street!
This one was for you, Daddy-o!
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