Wednesday, November 11, 2009

KEY LARGO -- What started as a conversation between two runners on the Key Largo bicycle path will become reality Saturday morning as more than 625 runners are expected to participate in the inaugural Jewfish Creek Bridge Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk.

Leading up to the race, runners and race organizers alike say they are visualizing running across the Lake Surprise causeway just after sunrise, moving with a flow of human runners, flanked by tropical morning waters.

Hosted by Key Largo Baptist Church, the 13.1-mile half-marathon and a 3.1-mile run/walk has already drawn runners from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and 24 states, including Alaska.

The course, which is now part of the recently-designated All American Highway, has been certified by USA Track and Field, the governing body of the sport. Accuchip Race Timing Services of Coral Springs will guarantee that runners will be accurately listed in the order they finish.

"That means that any record set on this course will be accepted as a national record," said Candy Basilius, who was inspired while running with friend Gen Gibson to organize an Upper Keys bridge run.

"I formulated a plan and took it to the church. They said OK," Basilius said.

That was two years ago, before Basilius conscripted others to help her put together a time-consuming production that involves organizing hundreds of participants and sponsors, getting out the word to runners around the world and arranging to get hundreds of runners to the starting line at the same time with microchip tags attached to their shoes so that they can be digitally counted when they cross the finish line.

The half marathon runners will start at 6:35 a.m. where they will run across Lake Surprise in the northbound lane of U.S. 1, climb the south slope of the 65-foot-high Jewfish bridge and then descend the other side and continue on to the county line before returning to the finish line.

Those running the 3.1-mile race will start five minutes later, top the bridge, reach the bottom, turn around and climb the bridge once more on their way back to the finish line.

The entrance fee is $35 for the 5K and $70 for the half marathon.

"We have a lot of first-timers," Basilius said. "This will be something for the serious runners and, because of the 5K walk and run, there is also something for the casual runner."

Some, like Necie Moore, owner of Moore Books, will both walk and run.

"I have not trained, but I'm so excited to be in this race," she said last week. "I'll run a little and when I need a rest, I'll walk."

The organizers point out that traffic coming into the Keys will not be impeded as the southbound lane of U.S. 1 will remain open during the event. Northbound traffic will be diverted to County Road 905 and Card Sound Road during the race. Tolls will be lifted during the race.

The course will be cleared for northbound traffic by 10:30 a.m. Any stragglers will be picked up by a special bus traveling south from the county line.

Eddie Dudley of Eddie's Smoking Barbecue will provide for hungry runners after the race. EcoEats will serve up protein shakes while massage tables will be available for tired and cramped runners.

Prior to the race, buses will begin transporting runners and guests at 4:30 a.m. from parking lots at the Key Largo Holiday Inn, Key Largo School and Key Largo Baptist Church on Largo Road to Reef Road at mile marker 107. Bus service will continue after the race.

Proceeds from the event will be divided between Jacobs Aquatic Center, the Autism Society of the Keys, Key Largo YMCA and Key Largo Baptist Church.

Runners can register this week online at www.jewfishcreekbridgerun.com until noon Friday, Nov. 13. Registration and race packet pickup will be available from noon to 9 p.m. Friday at the Key Largo Holiday Inn.

"We wanted to create a big event for our runners so we rented the Holiday Inn where runners can check in, register and pick up their gift bags and visit some of the local charities," Basilius said. "We have also arranged for special off-season rates with a few local resorts".

Florida Keys Area Health Education Centers will conduct a health expo at the Holiday Inn from noon to 6 p.m. Friday in conjunction with the race. A number of free services will be available, including skin cancer, cardio-pulmonary screening, osteoporosis and lung capacity screenings.

Runners looking to load up on carbs before Saturday's race can purchase tickets for a complete pasta dinner at Doc's Diner for $8. The cost is $10 for nonparticipants and $6 for children. Dinner includes spaghetti with marinara sauce, meat balls, salad, garlic bread and iced tea.

The dinner will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Proceeds will benefit the race's four charities.

For more information, call Basilius at (305) 522-4072.

sgibbs@keysnews.com