Beach to Bayou - February 2016

Bring it to the Bay!

The largest endurance racing event in South Mississippi draws participants from around the country on March 5th!
- story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson

Tweet

Free Cleaver Subscription!

photos by Ellis Anderson, compilation of past races across Bay Bridge

If this year’s Bring It to theBay Half-Marathon/Relay/5K on March 5 is anything like the previous two races, participants and spectators can count on a spirited, fun competition along a scenic beachfront course.

More than 500 people from 18 states registered last year, and Fit First, the race organizer, predicts a larger turnout this year. Runners from more than a dozen states are expected to walk or run all or part of the 13.1-mile route that starts and ends at Main Street and Beach Boulevard.

Beach to Bayou
is sponsored by

---

Click here and scroll down for archived Beach to Bayou columns!

Local Lodging Options!

“It is the largest endurance racing event in south Mississippi,” said assistant race director Joel Lawhead of the number of runners, including triathlons. An added option for our pet-friendly community: “On the 5K, we’re allowing dogs on leashes only.”

The route crosses the Bay Bridge and into Pass Christian before looping back to the Bay. At the finish line there will be an after-party with food and beverages for the participants. Friends and family can join in the fun for $5 to enjoy DJ music and the awards presentations.

There are three running categories: the half-marathon, the two-person relay and the 5K category. Walkers can pick any of three options but will be limited to four hours. Starting time is 7 a.m.

Lawhead said the Bring It to the Bay route is especially appealing for its beautiful waterfront setting. “There are very few places in the world where you can run along the water,” he said. “A waterfront race is very rare.”

Besides memories of an awesome race, there will be medals for half-marathon finishers and awards for overall, age group, and relay winners plus a T-shirt, gift bag and water bottle. A race photographer will be available to record the event.

Last year’s competition drew compliments from runners who called the race fun and challenging, the course gorgeous, and the volunteers wonderful and friendly.

Joining the runners and walkers who come for the event are their friends and families who fill the local restaurants, shops and accommodations over the race weekend.

Again this year, the race will raise money that goes directly into the reserve funds of the Bay St. Louis, Waveland, and Pass Christian police departments and the Hancock and Harrison County sheriff’s departments.

For more information and to register, go to www.fitfirstbsl.com/half