I was thinking that quoting lines from Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” would be the way to go to introduce this list.
That is until my wife reminded me that lines like “When you’re down and out/when you’re on the street…” and others, like “When pain is all around…” perhaps weren’t the most inspiring lyrics to include.
That’s why I ended up going with something a little more lively — James Brown’s “Sex Machine,” which includes this line I couldn’t resist: “You got to have the feeling sure as you’re born/Get it together, right on, right on.”
It’s one of those songs you have to have in your playlist — you can’t help but get some more energy in your step the moment you hear the opening guitar riff, a pep I hope you’ll feel also when you run one of these stunning beautiful courses with bridge crossings below.
1) Golden Gate Half Marathon • San Francisco, CA
You’ll take in views of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge from the starting line at this race, which never disappoints. You’ll cross over the bridge from miles 6 through 9, and be ready for hills — you’ll climb over 1,000 feet over the course of the race.
Early November • More race info here »
2) Key Largo Bridge Run Half Marathon • Key Largo, FL
Flat and fast, this out-and-back race is full of spectacular views of Florida Bay and Barnes Sound. With only one big challenging bridge, it’s a great course for setting a new PR — and the four-hour time limit means walkers and slower runners are also welcome.
Mid November • More race info here »
3) Four Bridges Half Marathon • Chattanooga, TN
Named for the Market Street Bridge, P.R. Olgiati Bridge, Veterans Bridge, and Walnut Street Bridge runners cross during the race, this event hops from one side of the Tennessee River to the other and features coffee and hot chocolate at the starting line, with waffles at the finish line.
Mid October • More race info here »
4) Greater Binghamton Bridge Run • Binghamton, NY
With a course that crosses over the Chenango River and Susquehanna River, the Greater Binghamton Bridge Run features six bridge crossings — over the Clinton Street Bridge, Court Street Bridge (three times!), Tompkins Street Bridge and the South Washington Street Bridge.
Early May • More race info here »
5) Covered Bridges Half Marathon • Woodstock, VT
A point-to-point course with a net downhill elevation, this race — which sells out quickly every year — offers chance to run through the iconic covered bridges that dot the Vermont countryside. Racers bus to the start line and then complete 13.1 miles before crossing the finish line near Deweys Pond.
Early May • More race info here »
6) Pleasure Island Bridge Half Marathon • Port Arthur, TX
You’ll tackle the 5,032-ft.-long MLK Jr. Bridge at this race, which teeters 138 feet above the Sabine Canal in Port Arthur. You’ll also run onto Pleasure Island, an 18.5-mile-long man-made island that’s connected to the mainland by the MLK Jr. Bridge.
Early November • More race info here »
7) Marco Island Bridge Run Half Marathon • Marco Island, FL
Two bridges and four total crossings await runners at the Marco Island Bridge Run Half Marathon, which is held in a quiet, residential area with ocean views for nearly the entire race.
Late March • More race info here »
