By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – United Way of St. Charles is hosting its 18th Annual 5K/10K Bridge Run/Walk on Saturday, April 5.

The event is presented by Norco Manufacturing Complex and co-presented by Valero St. Charles Refinery.

Last year, more than 1,900 runners and walkers participated in the Bridge Run. The event is held each year to raise awareness of and funds for the United Way of St. Charles.

The 5K race starts at 8:40 a.m. at the East Bank Bridge Park in Destrehan and crosses the Hale Boggs Bridge to the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling.

The 10K race starts at 8:15 a.m. on the levee path across from The Seafood Pot in Destrehan and will join the 5K race near the East Bank Bridge Park.

The 10K route features historical views of both Ormond and Destrehan Plantations.

All participants to cross the finish line will receive a commemorative race medallion.

Awards will be given in several categories. This year’s race will also feature chip

timing for all participants.

“We are excited to offer race participants the option of a 10K again this year, in addition to the traditional 5K,” said United Way of St. Charles Executive Director John Dias. “We hear from many participants that the view from the Hale Boggs Bridge can’t be beat, and I encourage anyone to participate in the event just to take advantage of the beauty St. Charles Parish has to offer.”

Early Bird registration is available for $25 per person by March 15. Pre-registration is available from March 16 through April 4 for $30. Day of race registration is available on April 5 for $40.

Children 17 and under and seniors 65 and older can register early for $15, pre-register for $25, or register on race day for $30.

To register for the race, visit www.uwaysc.org or register in person at the United Way office, 13207 River Road in Luling.

On-site registration is also available Friday, April 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bridge Park in Luling, and on race day, Saturday, April 5, starting at 6:30 a.m. at the Bridge Park in Luling.

After the Bridge Run, United Way of St. Charles is hosting post race activities at the

Bridge Park in Luling until noon. Admission to the post race festivities is free, and attendees can enjoy music by Reese Chaisson, food, inflatables and more.

On race day, April 5, the Interstate 310 exit ramp in Destrehan will close at 8 a.m. All westbound traffic on the Hale Boggs Bridge will be restricted to one lane from approximately 7:30 a.m. until approximately 10:30 a.m.

The United Way of St. Charles Bridge Run is part of the Louisiana Bridge Run Series,

which also features the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent Connection Race and the Huey P. Long Bridge Run. Participants who complete all three races will receive a commemorative series finisher’s medal and are eligible for additional awards.

For more information, visit www.uwaysc.org or call 985-331-9063.