First-ever “Run the Rodanthe Bridge” race will likely be held in April

March 17, 2022 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

Organizers of the first-ever Run the Rodanthe Bridge 5-mile and 5K race, which will be held at the new Jug Handle Bridge once it opens to the public, recently stated that the race will likely be held in early April.

Arial view of the Jug Handle Bridge. Photo by Kerry Hooper, Jr. of Hooper Photography Solutions, LLC

“We have been advised by NCDOT that the race will definitely not take place in March, and we will be looking at the first half of April,” stated one of the event’s organizers, Tom Amatucci, in an emailed update. “We should receive another update from them by the end of next week, and will let everyone know as soon as we have our confirmed date.”

The race, which benefits the Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo (RWS) Civic Association, has clearly generated interest, as the event reached its maximum of 600 entrants in mid-February, creating the need for a waiting list.

(A separate or corresponding Community Day where the public can walk or ride a bike on the bridge is also being planned, per an announcement from Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard at his January State of the County presentation.)

Volunteers for the event are still being welcomed, as organizers have many needs from setting up the start/finish area to distributing medals as participants complete the event. A post-race party will be held at the RWS Community Building lot, with music, beer, hot sandwiches, coleslaw, chips, beans, and more. All finishers will receive a Bridge Medal, and registered runners will also receive a souvenir long-sleeved T-shirt.

“Once we get a firm date, we will again have a call out to all asking if [businesses] would like to have a table in the village to promote [their] organization/company,” stated Amatucci. “All good things take time and the level of excitement we hear from you in emails and texts tells us this is going to be a really fun and unique day.”

The date of the race will be announced as soon as a bridge opening date has been set by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. All official race information and updates will be posted on the event’s registration page at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Rodanthe/RuntheRodanthe.