More than 1,600 people are expected to run and walk across the Queen Isabella Cause-way tomorrow morning, June 3.
It’s the third annual Summer Longest Causeway Run and Fitness Walk starting at Schlitterbahn and ending at the Port Isabel Event and Cultural Center. It gives participants a summer opportunity to cross the 2.6 mile causeway on foot.
This event is patterned after the 33-year-old January run/walk, but this with a different course.
The 6.2 mile (10K) course weaves through the waterfront loop in Isla Blanca Park before heading to the Causeway.
Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce President Betty Wells is excited about another event.
“We’ve been preparing for this for more than four months,” Wells said. “We just hope for wonderful weather.”
If it’s a little too hot, Wells is quick to point out there will be a number of residents along the route “hosing” participants off with water as well as the Port Isabel Fire Truck, too. There also are two additional water spots than previous years.
The chamber started the event on the heels of the successful January Causeway Run. The weekend after Memorial Day and before the real start of summer was chosen to bring people to the island area who may not come at that time of the year.
Last year, there were 1,671 participants and Wells said she is hoping for more this year. As of earlier this week, registration was at 1,300, ahead of the pace for the 2016 event.
“We always hope for an increase,” she said. “We are just pleased people support and enjoy this event each year.”
In order to impact the bridge as minimally as possible, only the outside lane of the eastbound lanes will be closed for the race. Wells suggested visitors to the Island early that morning should prepare for some delays due to the event.
There will be prizes and medals awarded for overall winners and those in age groups.
