The Course
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OVERVIEW
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.
THE BEST WAY TO CROSS THIS BAY
Maryland's most unique experience is back! The Bay Bridge Run is scheduled for November 12, 2023. 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. Walkers are asked to remain in the right-hand lane of the bridge at all times. If you plan to walk all or a portion of the race, please select from Waves C through I. Waves A and B are reserved for those running the full route.
TRAINING PROGRAM
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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. VIEW THE COURSE MAP HERE.
WALKERS ARE WELCOME! Each registrant is allotted 2 hours to complete to course. If you are unable to finish in the time frame, a finisher vehicle will gladly pick you up and take you to the finish area. If you walk, please remain in the right-hand bridge lane at all times and walk no more than 2 abreast.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR WALKERS: Walkers are asked to remain in the right-hand lane of the bridge at all times. If you plan to walk all or a portion of the race, please select from Waves D through H. Waves A, B & C are reserved for those running the full route.
CUP-LESS RACING
As stewards of the Chesapeake Bay, the Bay Bridge Run is a cup-less race. It’s good for our Bay, the environment and safe for runners!
WHAT IS A CUP-LESS RACE?
A cup-less race means that there will be no paper water cups between the start and the finish line like you’d typically see at road races.
WILL THERE BE FLUIDS ON THE COURSE?
There will be water available in the start area. On the course, there will be self-serve refill stations that can also be accessed at two locations along the route. At the finish line, each runner will get a bottled water.
HOW DO I GET WATER ON THE COURSE?
There will be one self-serve fluid stations on the course—at mile 3—with several valves allowing you to fill a 20-ounce water bottle in just seconds. Participants will be responsible for carrying their own container with them during the event or stopping by our water station at the midway point on the bridge for a sip. Handheld containers can include a bike bottle, a hand-held running bottle, Camel-bak, a Hydra-Pouch, or any type of non-glass water bottle of your choosing.
START TIME WAVES
To ensure the safety of the participants, the Bay Bridge Run will begin in waves of approximately 2,000 participants each. The waves will begin on a staggered timeline every 15 minutes beginning at 7:00 a.m. [LEARN MORE HERE]
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR WALKERS: Walkers are asked to remain in the right-hand lane of the bridge at all times and walk no more than 2 abreast. If you plan to walk all or a portion of the race, please select from Waves D through H. Waves A, B & C are reserved for those running the full route.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE ALLOWED TO BRING
Participants are permitted to bring:
- Fanny Packs
- Hydration Belts or Packs (please bring it full to the start of the race.)
- Cups or Bike Bottles (please bring a full bottle to the start of the race.)
- One-Gallon Clear Bags
Participants are NOT ALLOWED to bring
- Strollers or Baby Carriers
- Pets
- Selfie Sticks
- Back Packs for gear
- Glass Containers
- Weapons of Any Kind
- Costumes or Masks (PPE masks ok)
- Flags larger than 11" x 17"
- Drones
AWARDS
Overall winners will be determined by chip time. Trophies will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall for men and women and the 1st place masters (40+) for men and women. (No duplication of awards.) No age-group prizes will be awarded. However, we will post age-group times and finisher position on our results page. IF YOU PLAN TO COMPETE FOR OVERALL AWARDS, YOU MUST SELECT THE 7:00 a.m WAVE.
POST RACE FESTIVITIES
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. [LEARN MORE HERE]
