As the leaves change color and the air grows brisk, runners across the Chesapeake Bay area prepare for the highly-anticipated 4th Annual Across the Bay 10K. Across the Bay 10K includes not only one of the largest mid-distance events in the nation, but also a Kid’s Fun Run at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and a live concert at the finish line.
Participants start at the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay and proceed over the eastbound span of the heavily-traveled Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Throughout the course of the 6.2-mile race, participants climb the bridge to reach nearly 200 feet above sea level and spend a 4.35-mile stretch above the water.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects the greater Virginia, D.C., and Baltimore community to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including coastal communities such as Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach. Completed in 1952, the original two-lane span was the world’s longest continuous over-water steel structure. Although the Chesapeake Bay Bridge does not regularly allow pedestrian traffic, Across the Bay 10K gives walkers and runners the opportunity to cross the bridge and marvel at the views of the Bay.
Along with being one of the only races that crosses a landmark bridge, Across the Bay 10K takes pride in being the largest cup-less race. This means that participants bring their own reusable water bottles, instead of using paper water cups. There will be a provided self-serve refill station and water fountain at the midway point.
Producing less waste and preserving the Bay’s beauty are only a couple of Across the Bay 10K’s initiatives. The race also promotes running to support a charity. Their current charity partners include the Hearing and Speech Agency, Lollipop Kids Foundation and Yellow Ribbon Fund. Since its inaugural race in 2014, the event has raised more than $850,000 for local and regional charities.
This year, Across the Bay 10K will take place on Sunday, November 5 and encourages people of all fitness levels to participate. Whether you plan on walking, jogging, or running, come be part of the fifth largest 10K in the nation!
To learn more about Across the Bay 10K, please visit their website for more information.
