Cow Key Channel Bridge Run

The Florida Keys are connected to the mainland by bridges, 42 all together.

The longest bridge is located in the middle keys and measures 7 miles long, so naturally it’s called the 7 mile bridge. Every spring 1500 runners flock to Marathon, FL and line up at 7:00 am to participate in the Seven Mile Bridge Run.

It’s a wonderful event, but it’s certainly not for everyone. For starters, entry is granted and limited to the 1500 entries. It’s seven miles, not everyone can run seven miles. It’s also at 7:00 am, that means you need to be on the Marathon side of the bridge before 6:30 in the morning!

Needless to say the run remains on my bucket list.
A few people got together and decided that a Florida Keys Bridge run should be for everyone.
So they created the Annual Cow Key Bridge Run, and it’s a ZERO K!
The Cow Key Bridge is bridge number 42 of the Overseas Hwy. It’s the last bridge you cross when driving from the mainland to Key West, it’s also the shortest.

Some things they decided to do differently from the 7 mile bridge run was not limit it to 1500 runners. They also decided that a high-noon start time would be more appropriate than 7:00 am.

Not really sure how many people made it, but if you include our four legged friends, I am sure there were well more than 1500 participants.
It was a great time, trophies and jars of Key West Spice Company’s Southernmost Blend were awarded to runners for different categories, one naturally being costumes.
It was my first Florida Keys Bridge run and I am sure it will not be my last.

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