11th Annual .05K Bridge Run & Dog Day Afternoon

Well, Dinah and I walked in the rain this AM for this event, which apparently is not until June 14!!
So, for those of you who thought you had to miss it, here's another chance.

At least we got in some exercise. :)

"In the spring the MRE hosts internationally acclaimed Extreme Sports Event, the .05K run across Spa Creek (The Gulf of Eastport) Bridge, followed by competition of four-legged athletes in Dog Day Afternoon.

Runners, joggers, walkers, strollers, humans and dogs of all ages, are invited to participate in MRE's "grueling" bridge run. Yes, it's .05K ? point oh-five-K. Past first place champions have completed the run in about 32 seconds, so MRE thoughtfully includes a water stop at mid-span and has held warm-up sessions prior to the race.

For a modest entry fee, participants receive a priceless special edition event t-shirts designed by Eastport artist Cindy Fletcher-Holden, a runner's number to be pinned on their garments, a map of the race course, and a swag bag filled with goodies courtesy of local merchants. Invaluable trophies hand-crafted by Cindy and other prizes are awarded to the runners for a number of exciting, fun, creative and unique categories.

The start is on the Annapolis side, next to the Annapolis Yacht Club, whose ordinance officer has signaled the start with a bang! ? the shot of the race cannon. Although participants are issued a map of the race course, they have also been able to follow a special pace car in order to avoid getting lost. Well, except for last time when the runners overtook the Mercedes Benz pace car...

Awards are presented at Eastport Elementary School at about three minutes after noon, and this is immediately followed by Dog Day Afternoon.

Dog Day Afternoon

This is a fun event showcasing our community's real stars: our dogs! MRE awards prizes for the best dancing dog, best singing dog, best costume,and best dog/owner look-alike and other similar categories. The modest registration fee gets participants an MRE doggie bandana is a choice of several colors and a doggie swag bag filled with valuable coupons and doggie items.

For the past few years, the SPCA Mobile Adoption van has been there as will other dog-oriented vendors.

In typical MRE fashion, all proceeds from both events go to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County and Eastport Elementary School's Reading is Fundamental program.