Conquer the Bridge
San Pedro, CA
- 5.3 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
No 2026 event. Per race website: “Due to various ongoing construction projects there will be no Conquer The Bridge in 2026. I vow to get you back up there the moment we can.”*** Run across The Vincent Thomas Bridge! This 1500 feet long beauty (the 4th longest suspension bridge in … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Sep 07):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 87 | 95 | 80 | 94 | 79 |
| L (°F) | 66 | 74 | 66 | 74 | 69 |
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Run for the bridge, not the swag!
Have run this multiple times and still love the opportunity to run up and over the Vincent Thomas Bridge! It's a fun event that brings out a lot of local … MORE
Have run this multiple times and still love the opportunity to run up and over the Vincent Thomas Bridge! It’s a fun event that brings out a lot of local run clubs, families, etc.
For safety reasons they REALLY should create at least 2 waves, one for walkers vs runners! It’s frustrating each year weaving around groups of walkers in the first mile and today 2 walkers stepped to their left causing a runner to collide right into them! Also like others I think they should offer same day pickup, especially since it’s just a bib (no shirt or other goodie bag so it’ssuper quick) it seems like it would be easy enough (you can sign up same day but not get your bib?!?).
Only other thing that keeps this one from a higher rating, the use of stryophome cups at the water station (please use paper cups).
Conquer the Bridge is an outstanding roa
Conquer the Bridge is an outstanding road race and festival that delivers an unforgettable experience. The waterfront startline sets the tone for a remarkable event, with easy access and ample … MORE
Conquer the Bridge is an outstanding road race and festival that delivers an unforgettable experience. The waterfront startline sets the tone for a remarkable event, with easy access and ample street parking nearby. The prerace atmosphere is vibrant, and the event is reasonably priced given its magnitude. The presence of dedicated and focused runners enhances the overall atmosphere. The race itself presents a beautiful yet challenging open street course, with the highlight being the unique crossing of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. The Labor Day morning weather adds to the enjoyment. Collaborations with local businesses and attractions like the USS Iowa create a cool and engaging environment. Post race, there are plenty of brunch spots within walking distance. One area for improvement could be updating the logo and merchandise to match the race’s status as one of the area’s premier events.
Cool Run over Vincent Thomas Bridge
This was my first time running this race and I got in for only $35 with a team discount. Parking was pretty easy and hassle free. The race is surprisingly … MORE
This was my first time running this race and I got in for only $35 with a team discount. Parking was pretty easy and hassle free.
The race is surprisingly big (a lot of participants). The course is great. This is the only time you can run over the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the views are phenomenal, specially on the way back over the bridge (you cross it twice). We had great weather. It was low 60s and cloudy.
The main things I didn’t like is that there were almost no on course photographers… possibly none at all because I haven’t heard anything about race photos. I also think water stops were lacking. 5.3 miles is not very long, but climbing that bridge is tough.
I think it would make sense to have a water stop at the bottom of the bridge around mile 2, but the stop wasn’t until mile ~3.5 before the 2nd ascent. Also, there was 1 other water stop about a 1/2 mile from the finish line. I don’t really see the point… might as well just run it in, which I did.
There wasn’t really any race swag aside from the race medal, which I will admit was quite nice. Overall, I am happy since I only paid $35, but I think I’d be upset if I had paid the full registration fee of $60.
Either way, I recommend this race for the unique experience.
Unique
Awesome location. Perfect Name. Make CONQUERING THE BRIDGE one of your goals. If you race/run/walk, you have to experience the bridge! This is one of the only times this bridge … MORE
Awesome location. Perfect Name. Make CONQUERING THE BRIDGE one of your goals. If you race/run/walk, you have to experience the bridge! This is one of the only times this bridge is open to pedestrians, once a year, for this race. Beautiful views!
Run over the Vincent Thomas Bridge
This is an annual event held in San Pedro on Labor Day morning. The run goes from the downtown San Pedro waterfront to Terminal Island going over the Vincent Thomas … MORE
This is an annual event held in San Pedro on Labor Day morning. The run goes from the downtown San Pedro waterfront to Terminal Island going over the Vincent Thomas Bridge out and back. Great views from the top of the bridge. lots of congestion at the start as there are a lot of walkers but if you’re serious about time then start up front. Great energy at this race.
Getting worse as years go by
Basically the only good thing about this race is the fact you get to run on the Vincent Thomas bridge, which is normally closed to pedestrian traffic, on Labor Day. … MORE
Basically the only good thing about this race is the fact you get to run on the Vincent Thomas bridge, which is normally closed to pedestrian traffic, on Labor Day.
No swag. No free tee-shirts. For 60 bucks!!
Why, why, why can’t they have race day pick up? It’s so annoying and a hassle for me to go to Torrance to pick up my bib.
Rude ass volunteers! They put me in a bad mood before the race.
Hardly any post race snacks.
Paid 10 bucks for the post race breakfast and there was no salt/pepper for my eggs.
Great race but Needs Race Day Bib Pickup
Ran this in 2015 and 2017. Challenging but very scenic course on the Vincent Thomas Bridge (usually closed to pedestrians). One of my favorite races. Love that it's on Labor … MORE
Ran this in 2015 and 2017. Challenging but very scenic course on the Vincent Thomas Bridge (usually closed to pedestrians). One of my favorite races. Love that it’s on Labor Day. I loved the Fleet Week event afterwards. The breakfast for $10 was fantastic! Wish they would have race day bib pick-up as its a pain for me to get to Torrance the weekend before. Post race oranges are great. This year they had tee shirts and tank tops and hats for sale at the bib pick-up, which I appreciated. Cool medals.
A "Must Do" event!
This is the only opportunity all year to run over the Vincent Thomas Bridge from San Pedro to Terminal Island. The event is held every Labor Day and it truly … MORE
This is the only opportunity all year to run over the Vincent Thomas Bridge from San Pedro to Terminal Island. The event is held every Labor Day and it truly is one that you don’t want to miss. the course is out-and-back meaning you go up and over the bridge twice. Great energy in the race, great views of the LA harbor and amazing photo opportunities as you go up and over the bridge. Highly recommended!
I am a conqueror!
This was my first time Conquering the bridge. It was awesome! I loved running with all the service men and women. The energy is just amazing. Wish we gotten a … MORE
This was my first time Conquering the bridge. It was awesome! I loved running with all the service men and women. The energy is just amazing. Wish we gotten a tshirt in our race packets, but the medal is so cool!
A unique experience for sure!
It's not everyday you get to run across the 4th longest suspension bridge in CA so ... this is a "must do" if you are in SoCal! It's definitely a … MORE
It’s not everyday you get to run across the 4th longest suspension bridge in CA so … this is a “must do” if you are in SoCal! It’s definitely a fun experience running out and back across the Vincent Thomas Bridge (which is 100% closed to runners!)
Overall, there’s nothing too spectacular to report about this race other than the experience of doing it. The Bridge is pretty steep and you are running it out/back so it’s definitely a good challenge. The used to not give medals, now they do. Not a lot of frills (I don’t even think there’s anything other than water at the end??) but it’s definitely a worthwhile experience to say you’ve “conquered the bridge!”
The Bridge is Conquered!!!!
This was a very unique experience and looking forward to doing it again. This 5.3 mile race starts in Ports Of Call and heads out to the run across The … MORE
This was a very unique experience and looking forward to doing it again. This 5.3 mile race starts in Ports Of Call and heads out to the run across The Vincent Thomas Bridge! This 1500 feet long beauty (the 4th longest suspension bridge in California!) creates one challenging race course! It was a hot day and the combination of that and the steel bridge made this a tough run. There was however plenty of aide and support out on the course. I am looking forward to returning to this event next Labor Day!!!!
Running over a usually closed bridge
Race always offers discounts to groups, and while it isn't the best deal for a 5+ mile race, the permits, the closing of the bridge and mats (to protect your … MORE
Race always offers discounts to groups, and while it isn’t the best deal for a 5+ mile race, the permits, the closing of the bridge and mats (to protect your feet from slipping through the grating), the cost is reasonable. They encourage you to pick up your bib ahead of time (but it can still be done race day), plenty of parking, and a finisher’s medal was given in lieu of a t-shirt.
Run Over the Vincent Thomas Bridge
This is an annual Labor Day run with a route that takes you up and over the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro not once but twice. Great views of … MORE
This is an annual Labor Day run with a route that takes you up and over the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro not once but twice. Great views of the Port of Long Beach from the bridge. One note–it can be hot so bring water. only one water station at the half way point. A really fun event. also, if you’re running, start up closer to the starting line than you feel comfortable with doing as there are a large number of walkers who wil be in front of you if you don’t
Bring back the half!
Nice run in San Pedro California over the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Most of the race is on HWY 47 in the industrial docks area. 2013 Had the Inaugural (and only) … MORE
Nice run in San Pedro California over the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
Most of the race is on HWY 47 in the industrial docks area.
2013 Had the Inaugural (and only) half marathon distance for this race.
Great views from the bridge.
Good post race support.
Free entrance to USS Iowa included with race bib!
Low and high view of San Pedro
Race is challenging and hilly, steeper than what you normally would run, but that's the challenge. Fun group race on Labor Day Monday. Parking has improved in the past few … MORE
Race is challenging and hilly, steeper than what you normally would run, but that’s the challenge. Fun group race on Labor Day Monday. Parking has improved in the past few years.
Best Race Around!!
I can't think of a better way to spend every single Labor day! I absolutely LOVE this Race!!! Packet pick up is east to get to get to at Road … MORE
I can’t think of a better way to spend every single Labor day! I absolutely LOVE this Race!!!
Packet pick up is east to get to get to at Road Runners sport in Torrance. You have several days to go so make time when you can. If you can’t make packet pick up then just register the day of the race and skip pick up. Getting to the race is super easy and they always have plenty of parking. The first year I ran this race you only received a t-shirt but the last 2 years I received a t-shirt and a medal. What could be better?1?
This race has a vibe you rarely find at other races. It is super upbeat, with kind of small town, high energy feel to it. It’s is really exciting when you are at the starting line. The race director does an excellent job of making sure all the running clubs get picture time at the start line before the race. They have a really good D.J and if you are lucky you may get interviewed by a news reporter.
The course takes you up and over the Vincent Thomas Bridge for a distance of 5.3 miles out an back. Once they had a 13.1 mile distance which I hope they have again. Running up and over that bridge twice is no joke! It really is a challenge and the views are absolutely breathtaking!!! The race is also VERY walker friendly so if you are not a runner but up for a unique challenge and something cool to do on Labor Day this is just event for you. Grab a friend, a camera and head out an adventure.
The finish line always has tons of people cheering the runners on as they come in and they also give out lots of goodies to eat and drink. A cool perk after the race is to head over to the San Pedro Fish Market ( Food is to die for) for the all you can eat $10.00 breakfast.
I love this race and will run it every year until I am in a wheelchair and no longer allowed up on the bridge, I suggest everyone try this race at least once because I am sure you will love it.