Ross Bridge 8K this weekend
On its route through all six major Ross Bridge neighborhoods, the Ross Bridge 8K promises to be what locals have come to accept about September weather in Alabama – unpredictable.
“One year, after we had worked tirelessly all day to set up, a huge wind, or what felt like a small tornado, came through, pulled up all our tents, twisted them in the air and then landed them like a disassembled erector set all over the green,” race director Suzanne Smith said. “There was also the time when a 20 percent chance of ‘isolated’ showers were in the forecast, and we had a deluge. Even still, we had a great event.”
The Sept. 7 event benefits Alabama Teen Challenge, which provides youth, adults and families with a Christian faith-based solution to life-controlling drug and alcohol problems.
According to Smith, this year’s event is on target to be the biggest yet.
“We have already had more pre-registrants than any other year at this time,” she said. “We always have this event the first Saturday in September, which usually falls on Labor Day weekend, but this year it does not. And there are no big [college football] games. As a matter of fact, Alabama isn’t even playing that weekend.”
Sponsors and vendors are making their final preparations to welcome crowds.
“This event will be an amazing time for you and your family, and you don’t even have to be a runner to enjoy it,” she said. “I couldn’t think of any place in the area where I would rather have this event than Ross Bridge. It is the most beautiful and friendly place in the metro area.”
In conjunction with the 8K, the event will host a Health Expo, sponsored by St. Vincent’s Health System.
Festivities begin with race registration at 7 a.m., the race at 8 a.m., and family-friendly activities, including inflatables for the kids, refreshments and the Health Expo, to follow immediately afterward.
To register for the race, visit alabamateenchallenge.org.
To register for the St. Vincent’s wellness testing, visit active.com and enter the keyword Ross Bridge.