I have run across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge numerous times, but this was the second year of the Bay Bridge Run (under Corrigan Sports management). Pedestrians are only allowed on the bridge during this event.

The event is a big undertaking, as the entire bridge has to be closed to traffic, and everything seemed to go smoothly from my perspective. There were lots of police, and ambulances stationed along the way in case they were needed. Last year, there were crazy lines at the expo, but this year, there was no line.

My friend got us the VIP experience, which included perks like parking at the finish line, a separate area in the starting corral with porta-potties, and a tent at the post-race party with food, unlimited drinks and porta-potties.

Most runners have to pay for parking in one of the several lots (some on the Eastern Shore and some in the Annapolis area) and take a shuttle to and from the race. The VIP runners only have to take a shuttle to the start.

The race has an incline early on, with Mile 2 being the toughest, but after that, there is a flat area and a decline. There is also another hill closer to the end of the race.

There was plenty of communication about the race and my group also received a discount and tent at the finish line for having 40-plus participants.

I gave aid stations a "3" just because I did not stop at the water stop along the way. This is a cupless race, so I carried my water bottle. There are not traditional aid stations; you can fill a bottle and I didn't really pay that much attention to what was offered.