Shortest Race In Anne Arundel Returns This Weekend With Bridge Run In Eastport

ANNAPOLIS, MD — One of Annapolis' favorite traditions returns this weekend after a two-year hiatus. The Maritime Republic of Eastport will host the 0.05K Bridge Run this Saturday.

The silly race is a short sprint or walk over the Spa Creek Bridge. The crossing stretches a few hundred feet, connecting downtown Annapolis with the neighborhood of Eastport.

"The .05k extreme sports event is a grueling test of mental and physical toughness," race planners said in a newsletter. "Some competitors have taken as long as five minutes to complete the course."

The Maritime Republic of Eastport was founded in 1998 after officials temporarily closed the Spa Creek Bridge for maintenance.

Eastport residents jokingly called the construction an "unprovoked act of aggression" and declared war, a tug of war that is, against their neighbors. Locals then formed the Maritime Republic of Eastport to promote businesses on their side of the creek during the bridge project.

The group, also known as the MRE, now raises money for charity. Its other main event is the annual tug-of-war with a rope draped across the creek.

Registration for the bridge run is now open. Participants can sign up in advance at this link for $25. Same-day registration costs $30 and starts at 9:45 a.m. at Long & Foster, located at 320 6th St.

All runners will get a T-shirt.

The race begins at noon on the downtown side of the bridge.

Judges will award prizes for these categories:

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
• Best Group Costume
• Best Children's Costume
• Best Dog Costume
• Best Pet/Owner Look-a-like Costume

This will be the first in-person run since 2019. The MRE canceled the 2020 race and held a virtual competition in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

More information about the run is posted at themre.org/bridgerun.

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