Double Bridge Fun
Double Bridge Run brings thousands to Pensacola Beach
BY LISA NEWELL Gulf Breeze News lisa@gulfbreezenews.com

Joseph Barraca/Special to the News Thousands made the trek to Pensacola Beach during the Pensacola Sports Association's Double Bridge Run, despite freezing temperatures and a strong north wind. Those that stayed were treated to entertainment and vendor booths at the boardwalk, along with the awards ceremony.

Thirty degree weather and a strong north wind greeted the runners as they ended the Double Bridge Run Saturday at the Quietwater Boardwalk.

"It was bitter," Sally Garst of the Pensacola Sports Association said.

But the cold didn't deter 2,545 individual runners and approximately 2,000 Marines from braving the elements and pitting their wills against the 15 kilometer or five kilometer courses leading to Pensacola Beach.

"Most of (the registrants) ran, but with the finish area at the Quietwater Boardwalk, people turned around and got on the bus to go back to their cars," Garst said.

Sandy Johnson, executive director of the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, said mother nature definitely put a damper on sales for the day.

"We had a good run and we had lots of runners. Unfortunately, it was so cold that not many people stayed around," Johnson said.

Garst said the run's new course, facing oncoming traffic and running through neighborhoods rather than on Highway 98, seemed to ease traffic congestion. The bay bridge never closes for the race, and is only affected for about 45 minutes, she said.

The Pensacola Sports Association is hoping out-of-area marketing will help double the size of the run next year.