The Bay Bridge Run is one of the largest, most exciting mid-distance events anywhere. 4.35 miles of the 10k course takes place over water, on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, near Annapolis, Maryland. Maryland’s most unique experience is back! After a successful return in 2021, the Bay Bridge Run is scheduled …
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The Bay Bridge Run is one of the largest, most exciting mid-distance events anywhere. 4.35 miles of the 10k course takes place over water, on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, near Annapolis, Maryland.
Maryland’s most unique experience is back! After a successful return in 2021, the Bay Bridge Run is scheduled once again for this November. Don’t miss out on the chance to run or walk over the Chesapeake Bay. The beloved Maryland tradition returns with a 10 kilometer, 6.2 mile point-to-point course will take runners over the eastbound span of the 4.35 mile long Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which reaches 186 feet at its tallest point. Participants will experience water vistas dotted with sailboats and cargo ships from atop a major dual-span bridge that doesn’t allow pedestrian traffic at any other time of the year. This event happens once a year and is the only way to cross this majestic span on foot.
The race is open to participants of various levels of fitness and physical abilities as long as you are able to complete the event at an average pace of 19 minutes/mile.
THE RACE ROUTE
After departing the start line near Northrop Grumman bayside campus, runners travel about a half mile over MDTA property before they leave the western shore and begin ascending the south bridge. There is a gradual but sustained climb for approximately 1.7 miles until runners reach the midpoint of the bridge and the first water station. During those first two miles, runners will climb to nearly 200 feet above sea level. The climb isn’t overly steep and has a maximum grade of only 3%. You will be almost 200 feet above the bay – so don’t forget to check out the view! Fortunately, what goes up must come down. After passing through the water station, runners descend the same 200 feet over the course of 2 miles before reaching the eastern shore.
Following the race, there will be an awesome after-party near the finish line for runners, friends and family. The celebration includes live music, great food, refreshing drinks and family friendly activities.
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The Race in My Backyard
This was my third time doing this race, and once again I really enjoyed it. It was well organized for having so many participants, and the swag was great this … MORE
This was my third time doing this race, and once again I really enjoyed it. It was well organized for having so many participants, and the swag was great this year. My only complaint was that there is no drop off option at the race start. You have to go to either the Naval Academy Stadium or Community college to be dropped off. I live less than a mile from the bay bridge, so it was very inconvenient to drive all the way to the community college when the race is basically in my backyard.
Over the Chesapeake Bay
I’m a sucker for runs with bridges or water. My third time running in this event and the windiest yet. This completed my double after yesterday’s Richmond Half. Corrigan Sports … MORE
I’m a sucker for runs with bridges or water. My third time running in this event and the windiest yet. This completed my double after yesterday’s Richmond Half. Corrigan Sports never disappoints as I’ve ran in many of their well run events. Two more Bay Bridge Runs to complete the medal set!
My only issue is the parking at the Navy Memorial Stadium. More than one gate should have been used to get runners to the shuttle in a timely manner.
No Traffic Across the Bridge
Good race, a bit pricey when you added in the cost of parking, but well put together. If you live in Maryland or have ever driven across the Chesapeake Bay … MORE
Good race, a bit pricey when you added in the cost of parking, but well put together. If you live in Maryland or have ever driven across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, it is fun to run across it. Cold time of year and can be windy. Everything was put together well. Park at satellite sites and then take busses to the start. There are lots of walkers, the course is flat other than running up the bridge which is not too bad. The race is not over after crossing the bridge, there is still at least another 1.5 miles after it to get to the finish. There is a nice finish line party with music, snacks, and beer. The long sleeve shirt is really nice and the medal is a puzzle piece that fits together with medals for past and upcoming bay bridge races. Its a great race if you have always wanted to run across the bridge.
Good course and transit, walker issues.
Course is very scenic running over bridge with smooth transportation to start area. However, rules are not followed by countless walkers that start in front of race and walk more … MORE
Course is very scenic running over bridge with smooth transportation to start area. However, rules are not followed by countless walkers that start in front of race and walk more than 2 across. Many of whom ignore/refuse to move over even after announcing that you’re passing on their left. Race officials need to be present on bridge to enforce rules to maintain safety and a positive race experience. The rules are clearly stated on signs and in all race literature, many of us expect that they will be enforced so that we don’t have to weave in and out of walkers for the entire race. We started with our C-730am corral and should not have encountered these issues. After party has good entertainment, not a fan of $12-15 charge for unlimited beer bracelet when most of us only drink 1-2.
So Disappointed
What changed? This is my third year and it was such a disappointment. The medals were identical to last year and the t-shirts were so cheap, I threw it out. … MORE
What changed? This is my third year and it was such a disappointment. The medals were identical to last year and the t-shirts were so cheap, I threw it out. For the price of entering, you would think you could do better. Previous years were much better!
Fun to do once but I'll pass on a repeat
The parking and shuttle buses were well organized. There were more walkers than runners, and they walked anywhere/everywhere they wanted and got annoyed when runners tried to get past them. … MORE
The parking and shuttle buses were well organized.
There were more walkers than runners, and they walked anywhere/everywhere they wanted and got annoyed when runners tried to get past them.
The bus ride back to our parking took about as long as it took us to run the race.
The medal was nice.
Fun Bridge Run!
This race is much larger than I had realized - about 20,000 people. One side of the bridge is completely closed to traffic (there are technically two bridges that run … MORE
This race is much larger than I had realized – about 20,000 people. One side of the bridge is completely closed to traffic (there are technically two bridges that run side-by-side over the water) and offer great views of the Chesapeake Bay. There is a walker and a runner side to help with traffic – though some walkers didn’t really abide by that rule.
Considering how many people there are, and how narrow the bridge is, this event ran pretty smoothly. Everything from the school bus shuttles, staggered start, lots of port-o-potties, and the bag of goodies post-race was well executed. There was, however, a lot of traffic so I recommend leaving much earlier than you think – especially if you are in one of the later waves.
The swag is pretty good for a 10K – gender specific tech-tees, and a puzzle piece medal (it connects to the medals of future race years). You can purchase an all-you-can-drink beer bracelet at the expo. The race also sends you a video of you crossing the 5K mark and the finish line. It also gives you stats on how many runners you passed along the way and how many passed you – kind of fun to see!
Memorable Moments:
– Marylanders decked out in their state flag apparel
– The MC asking for volunteers to sing the National Anthem at the start of each wave – people were NAILING this and the crowd LOVED IT!