Beach to Bay
On Saturday, May 18, the Coastal Bend is hosting the 44th annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon. The marathon started in 1976 and attracts more than 2,500 teams and over 15,000 runners annually. Every year, Beach to Bay brings thousands of people to the Coastal Bend area from all over the world and is the largest relay marathon in the United States. All proceeds from Beach to Bay Relay Marathon go to local charities in the Coastal Bend Area.
The race on Armed Forces Day traditionally honors military servicemen and women. The program Run for a Hero helps match every team with a person they will represent, who has served or currently is serving in the military.
At 7 am runners will begin on the beach of North Padre Island, across the JFK Causeway, run through Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and end along Shoreline Boulevard. There are now three ways to run Beach to Bay. The full team of six, a team of two, or the full marathon by one individual. Registration is available online at Beach to Bay Registration or mail your registration forms to Beach to Bay Relay Marathon c/o The Corpus Christi Roadrunners,
P.O. Box 8750, Corpus Christi, Texas 78468.
If you want to be a part of the race without running, sideline support is always encouraged. Volunteer to hand out water or motivate your friends and family with a sign and cheer on the runners as they come by. Beach to Bay is an event for the whole Coastal Bend community, so in one way or another everyone can get involved and experience the fun with this fantastic event.
In all the excitement over the race, remember the race packet pick up at Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz Center (402 Harbor Dr.) on Friday, May 17. All teams must pick up their packet. In addition to Packet Pick up, Beach to Bay is also hosting a sports expo in the same location. Come by the Expo and check out the latest fashion, nutrition, accessories and more in running. This is a great opportunity to meet and support local businesses and learn more about the running community. Any business interested in participating in the expo should feel free to contact Race Expo Director, Elsa Arroyo at 361-980-1182.
Once you finish the race, complimentary food, and drinks will be served at McCaughan Park. Beach to Bay will also have live music and various vendors will be on-site with everything from massages to health bars and industry gear. Teams can even rent a tent near the finish, for info call 361-980-1182. And of course, don’t miss the awards ceremony recognizing the best teams in each division.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office: 512-463-0672, District Office: 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
