Broadway Bridge Run Half Marathon

2013– Half Marathon
I spend a lot of time training at the downtown airport and that means a lot of time looking at the Broadway Bridge. Living in the Northland, the Broadway Bridge is most commonly my way into the city or down south. When I found out about the Broadway Bridge run, a chance to run on it and look off the side, a privilege not often granted, I jumped at it! Well, no. I take that back. I found about the race LAST year. as it sold out! When registration opened for the 2013 race, then I jumped! And with good reason, it sold out again this year. Don’t be fooled… this race sells out for the half (granted it has a much smaller pool than say, Rock the Parkway) so register early.
The race itself is surprisingly spectacular as well. With far less pomp and circumstance than the bigger races around town, this is probably my favorite half course in KC. Don’t say I didn’t warn you though, this course is HILLY. Getting up and over, then back up and over the Broadway Bridge is child’s play and just the first 4 miles. literally. You need to pass over I-​35 (don’t worry, not frogger style) twice, not to mention up the hill to the Liberty Memorial and then wind around the streets of KC. Someone who hates toenails designed this course, but man, it gives you the best views of the city (including my absolute favorite which is of the skyline from the top of the 2^nd hill at the Charles B Wheeler Downtown airport. Perfection).
The logistics of this race are also well planned. Parking is a little terrifying at City Market on a regular weekend, but at 6 am it isn’t a problem at all. Ha! The start had plenty of port o potties and I didn’t have any problems with overcrowding on the course. The aid stations were well staffed and every two miles. I do wish they had set up a few extra aid stations just based on the insane heat this year, but I’m sure that was a nightmare in itself so I can’t blame them for not having the last minute change. They also sprung for the dri-​fit shirts from Brooks so it is something I’ll actually wear again!
Big wins all around for the Broadway Bridge Half. I’d sign up again in a heart-​beat. And I highly recommend the 5k and 10k too, because while I didn’t do them, you still get the full experience of running on the bridge.