Once again did the Ben Franklin Bridge Challenge this past weekend - also known as Run the Bridge. As always, this was one of the best events in the Philly/New Jersey area. The race is so well put together - there are never any issues and it is always a fun group of people. The staging area was housed on the main concourse of Campbell's Field in Camden, NJ. The race utilized the old style round timing chips (disposable) instead of the more popular D-chip or B-chip. Temperatures were comparable to past years, but the wind made it feel colder, especially in the shade. The first half of the 10K race starts on the up slope of the bridge and goes over to the PA side, where it turns around. The 5K point is reached on the down slope heading back to NJ. Then final 5K followed the same route through Camden as it did the past 2 years - not the waterfront course that was originally run. After running past the Battleship New Jersey, Sovereign Bank Center, NJ State Aquarium, runners entered Campbell's field (home of the Independent Camden Riversharks minor Leagues baseball team) through the wall near the right field foul pole and followed the warning track around to the finish line in left field. All finishers received a medal. Food bags were distributed back on the concourse. Another job well done by the people at Copper/Norcross - great race to benefit the Larc School. The organization is always outstanding, and despite the reputation of Camden, it is not a bad course. The opportunity to run the bridge is a unique one. If you are in the area and haven't run this - I highly recommend it. The 10K distance is also a nice prep for the upcoming Philly marathon/half marathon.
