Running across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a fun tradition, and after three years, it returned in 2021 under new management by Corrigan Sports and with a new name. I had a great time and enjoyed returning to run across the bridge.

My friend got the VIP package for us, which was really nice. Most people park in one of a few different parking areas and are shuttled to the start and then shuttled back to the parking area from the finish. We were able to park by the finish and just had to take a shuttle to the start. I didn't rate parking/access since the VIP parking/access is different.

As VIPs, we also had a special waiting area at the start with two porta-potties and a VIP area at the finish with additional food, tables, chairs and porta-potties.

Everything seemed to run very smoothly aside from the expo. The lines were ridiculous (I would guess well over an hour long) and there was not any signage until you got into the expo. We waited in the line for a little bit even though we figured there must be a VIP area. We were able to get our bibs once we confirmed there was a VIP line, but it was unclear what people were standing in line for — whether it was to get their bibs or just enter the expo. Hopefully there will be more volunteers and/or a longer time frame next year. Some people also had their bibs mailed to them for an extra fee.

This is the only reason I took off a star for race management. There was lots of communication and the race ran smoothly, with plenty of police along the way.

I was part of a social team that had 40+ members, so we got a tent at the finish line and were able to save $15 per participant, which was a nice perk.

The race goes up and down over a bridge, so there is an incline for about two miles. I found it difficult, since I live in a very flat area, but rated the elevation difficulty a 2/5 stars because I was still able to run my fastest 10K of the year. After the incline, there is a decline, which is great! Then, there is another hill before the finish.

The bridge is normally closed to pedestrians, so this is the only opportunity to run across the bridge, and there were beautiful sunrise views.

It was a large event, with more than 10,000 finishers, but there were numerous waves, so it didn't feel cramped.

Swag was a tech T-shirt and a medal that starts a five-year puzzle.

Read my full recap here: https://sherunsbytheseashore.com/2021/11/08/oct-31-was-a-beautiful-day-to-run-across-the-bay-bridge/