One of the most anticipated spring races in the Keys, the Seven Mile Bridge Run gives runners the rare opportunity to race across the famous bridge that connects Knight’s Key (Marathon) to Little Duck Key (Lower Keys). It takes place in late March. Usually selling out within minutes, the lucky 1500 registrants start on the Marathon side of the bridge and race toward Key West. The money raised goes to the Middle Keys Youth Programs. In addition to the beautiful ocean views, runners may spot sea turtles, dolphins, and stingrays along this one of a kind race course. The one and a half hour deadline is non-negotiable (a school bus picks up anyone running slower than 10 minute miles), which makes this race a fast one. The Seven Mile Bridge is closed to automobile traffic during this run. When there is only one road in and out of the Florida Keys they don’t want it closed too long.
I can remember one year when my Father, 74 years old at the time, entered the Seven Mile Bridge Run with no intention of participating. The grandson of one of his neighbors was selling tickets to benefit his youth program. My Father bought the ticket just to make a donation to the program. As it got closer to race day one of the local neighborhood teenage kids wanted to enter the race but they were sold out. My Father gave the teenager his number so the kid could run. It turned out that kid was on the high school track team. My Father had no idea the number was registered to him personally along with his age. A couple days after the race he got a call telling him he not only came in first place in the 70 to 75-year-old category but he also set a record for the best time in race history for his age group. Still to this day my Mother has his winning awards certificate.
If you ever get a chance to run the Seven Mile Bridge run it is a lot of fun. If you don’t feel up to running 7 miles, stand by the sidelines and share the runners on. That can be just as much fun and a lot less work. It is definitely a Florida Keys tradition that is worth checking out
Gary McAdams, PA
Realtor, Notary Public
Barbara A. Anderson Realty
Serving Key West and the Florida Keys
