Conquer the Bridge Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

southbaygirl .
San Pedro, CA

  (12-12-2009)

"How could I pass up running over the Vincent Thomas Bridge! I LOVE running bridges! And since i live in San Pedro this was a no brainer for me!

This was the inaugural event. The last time runners were allowed to run over the bridge was in the 70's. I'm glad they were given the go ahead!!

The race started on Harbor Av near the maritime Museum. We ran towards the Cruise Ship Promenade and turned left and headed up the ramp to the bridge. And we ran up and up! You don't realize the incline of the bridge while you are driving-big difference when running it!

There were volunteers at each of the mats covering the bridge grating. And we were only allowed to run in the right hand lane. But once we hit the bridge, the crowd started to spread out. Once to the top it was downhill to the turnaround point (where the water station was located). I always bring water and gatorade with me on races-and I knew that they weren't allowed to have any aid stations on the bridge!

Once you hit the turnaround point it was back up the long incline of this great bridge! The view of the bridge was spectacular-especially if you like bridges! once at the top of the bridge it was all downhill to the finish! The last half a mile or so was flat along Harbor Av.

Considering this was the inaugural event, I think they put on a pretty decent race! I think more people showed up to run than what were expected! So maybe this will become an annual event!

I sure hope so! It was scenic in a different kind of way!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jennifer T.
Los Angeles, CA

  (09-07-2009)

"A chance to run over the historic Vincent Thomas Bridge in the Port of Los Angeles? Oh yeah! The bridge is the third largest suspension bridge in California (with the 76th longest span in the world).

This was the inaugural race and according to race officials, they had to jump through a hoop or two to make it happen. Really loved the novelty of running the bridge (especially because I happen to live in SoCal) but unless you are a Southern Californian, you might be a bit disappointed... the views at the top of the bridge are a bit less than picturesque (imagine industrial harbor).

The course started off a main street, went up and across the bridge (halfway point was towards the end) and looped back. Nice incline!

You were only allowed to run in the right hand lane (luckily the course was wide enough so no traffic) and there was only one water station at the halfway point. One of the runners who finished after me said they ran out of water by the time she got there. Woops!

All in all I'm glad I did it. Would I do it again? Probably not. 5 milers aren't really my thing and San Pedro is a bit far to travel from LA proper."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009