The Chesapeake Bay Bridge stretches from Anne Arundel County, crossing over Sandy Point State Park before reaching Stevensville in Queen Anne’s County. Each year, one span of the bridge closes to host the popular Bay Bridge Run.

The original span of the bridge opened in 1952, with a parallel span added in 1973. Spanning nearly 4 miles across the Chesapeake Bay, the bridge provides the perfect backdrop for one of Maryland’s most unique and exciting races. The Bay Bridge Run is a 10K event that welcomes runners, walkers, and everyone in between, with 4.35 miles of the course taking place directly over the water.

This beloved Maryland tradition returns on Sunday, November 9, offering participants a 6.2-mile, point-to-point course across the eastbound span of the bridge, which rises 186 feet at its highest point. Participants will enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay, dotted with sailboats and cargo ships — an experience made even more special as this is the only time of year pedestrians are allowed on the bridge.

The race begins near Northrop Grumman’s bayside campus, where participants will travel roughly half a mile over MDTA property before ascending the south bridge. The course features a gradual, steady climb for about 1.7 miles leading to the bridge’s midpoint and the first water station. Though the incline reaches a maximum grade of just 3%, participants will rise nearly 200 feet above sea level, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay below.

For more information on the event see Bay Bridge Run.

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