The 38th annual Navy Bay Bridge Run/Walk will take place on May 18, and this year brings a new 10K route alongside the event’s 4-mile run.
“For the first time ever, we are offering a 10K route,” said Amanda Hoeft, one of the bridge run race coordinators at Naval Base Coronado. “It incorporates the majority of the same iconic 4-mile route we’ve always had, but extends through Glorietta Bay, past the golf course and tennis courts and loops back into Tidelands Park for the finish.”
The 4-mile route, starting on Park Boulevard at the San Diego Convention Center, leads runners through Harbor Drive and up the National Avenue exit ramp before reaching the south side of the Coronado Bridge.
While the original route is still available, the new 6.2-mile option now meets official race distance standards.
The finish line celebration at Tidelands Park will “have 50 to 60 vendor tents, live music, character performers, airbrush tattoos, and a VIP area with continental breakfast and coffee,” Hoeft said.
Entertainment is placed along the route to keep runners motivated, including a mariachi band at Chicano Park and Taiko drummers at the finish line.
Although the Navy Jazz Band won’t be performing under the toll bridge this year, a new act will take its place. And the Navy Rock Band will return to the main stage for the awards ceremony.
The event draws over 10,000 participants annually, with organizers anticipating even more this year because of the new distance.
“The 4-mile isn’t an official distance for track clubs or race qualifiers,” Michelle Ricken, also one of the Navy’s race coordinators, said. “We added the 10K to attract competitive runners looking to log qualifying times.”
Approximately 40% of the runners are military personnel or connected to the military, but the event is open to everyone.
“It’s a great way for the community to support the military while enjoying a unique and scenic experience,” said Hoeft.
All of the event’s proceeds go back into Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs that support service members and their families.
“Every dime goes directly back to fund resources like gyms, recreation centers, pools and more,” Hoeft said. “This race is a way for us to continue doing what we do to support military members while they’re stationed away from home.”
Parking and transportation can be a challenge, especially downtown, due to a 1:10 p.m. Padres game that day. Organizers encourage public transit, such as the MTS trolley, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or ride shares.
Shuttles will run between the start and finish lines beginning at 6:30 a.m., and free ferry access is available to registered runners, courtesy of Flagship Cruises.
Ricken said a virtual option of the run remains popular among deployed military personnel and remote supporters. About 5% of registrants participate virtually.
The event requires coordination with agencies including the City of San Diego, Coronado, Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol. The bridge will remain open to vehicles, with traffic redirected into three lanes to accommodate runners.
Supporting sponsors of this year’s run include Leidos, Port of San Diego, SDG&E, Navy Exchange, Flagship Cruises, Liberty Military Housing, Navy Federal Credit Union, Alaska Airlines, Road Runner Sports and National City Mile of Cars.
Ricken said the event will rely on the support of more than 300 volunteers over a four-day period, from May 16 to 19, to help ensure smooth operations throughout race weekend.
The run will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Packet pickup for in-person participants takes place the day before the event at Road Runner Sports.
More information can be found at https://www.navybaybridgerun.com/
