LEONARD GRAY

DESTREHAN – It’s an event so big in St. Charles Parish that one day isn’t enough. It’s the fifth annual Hale Boggs Bridge Run set for Saturday, a 5-K race sponsored by Orion Refining as a major fund-raiser for United Way of St. Charles. United Way Executive Director George Williamson said, “While this is an important fund-raising event, more than that it’s a cohesive event for the community. That’s what makes it unique. Also, it probably has more amenities than any other race in the area.” The run benefits 36 agencies serving St. Charles Parish and raised nearly $38,000 last year. Though the race itself begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, events truly begin on Friday at the pre-registration party at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling with live bands, food and children’s activities. At that party local band Papa Grows Funk will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the Allemands Cajun Dancers will also perform. Race day is the main event, and the bridge ramps will close at 8:15 a.m. that day in preparation for the run, which starts at the East Bank Bridge Park. Top award for the run is 250 for first-place overall, and there is more than $2,000 in prize money to be awarded. The course records are 14:28 for men, set by Passmore Furusu, and 17:25 for women, set by Susan Molloy. Any first-place winner besting these records would walk away with an additional $250 bonus. The run and its results are certified by the New Orleans Track Club. There are also age group medals and awards for walkers. Though the deadline for early registration discounts ended Tuesday, anyone registering on Friday can do so at that same $15 rate. Race day registration fee is $18, and the no-T-shirt entry fee is $12. Also on race day, family fun will include a remote-controlled airplane display, mural painting and painting pots and the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary Foundation’s interactive digital learning booth, crab pond and fish pond. Pony rides will be provided by the GNO Therapeutic Riding Center, Papa Grows Funk will return with more music. Refreshments will include Blue Bunny ice cream, jambalaya from Cytec Industries, Abita Springs water and Budweiser. Pastries and non-alcoholic daiquiris will also be provided for sale. Parking has been provided for the event at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Destrehan Plantation, Plantation Business Center and Harry Hurst Middle School on race day. Race organizers ask people not to attempt to park in the bridge park.