This was my second year running this race, temps were high 30's, low 40's at the race start and I thoroughly enjoyed the improvement (wind chill was 10° last year)! Absolutely fantastic race! If you’re looking for all the bells and whistles (sponsor giveaways, timing chips, etc) this race doesn’t have that – but for a good reason.
Funds go to support a local church that feeds families in need in the Shallotte NC area. The race is timed using barcodes on the bibs which are scanned as you cross the finish line. What makes this race spectacular is the comraderie! You won’t enjoy meeting a group of runners any more than you will this group – and they come from all over – Raleigh, Eden, Wilmington, Charlotte, Calabash, Lexington, as well as SC, NJ, PA, TN, etc. and they greet each other like long lost friends.
The route runs over an inlet bridge (OIB) which is not too steep for even the most amateur runner – and the view from the top is breathtaking. You can see for miles, both the community and the ocean. The remainder of the route (for both 5K and Half Marathon) is predominantly flat.
174 runners turned out on Saturday morning for the 5K. I will make mention here that this is the second race in a row that I have noticed a new trend. The number of walkers turning out has increased, for this event alone there were approximately fifty. Kudos to those who have taken the initiative to improve their health and well-being. Health is wealth!
Scores were 18:41 (M) and 20:38 (F). Both winners were 36 years of age and finished 1st and 5th respectively, proof that running isn't always about youth. 6th place overall was a 60 year old Male with a time of 21:22. Hoo-yah!!
This event hosts a half marathon also and 232 runners turned out. Top Scores were 1:13:34 (M) and 1:27:46 (F). The male winner was 27 years old, female winner was 36 years old. Lucky day for several 36 year olds! January and February host very few local races thus this is definitely a must-do for the avid runner in the Carolinas. Wishing continued success to the race directors of OIB Bridge Run events!
CHIPTIME: 49:13 (walk)