Causeway run, walk expected to dra 4,000 entrants

The weather forecast is near perfect for the 28th Annual Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk.
The National Weather Service is predicting partly sunny skies with a high of 66 degrees on Saturday, although there may be a bit of a chill still in the air when the run starts at 10 a.m.
“I call it brisk, and that’s perfect running and walking weather,” said Betty Wells, executive director of the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce.
Wells said about 4,000 runners and walkers are expected to make the trek from Port Isabel across the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge to South Padre Island.
“We’re running a little ahead of last year at this point,” she said, noting that last year more than 3,800 people participated.
The run and fitness walk is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the chamber.
Runners and walkers start at the Community Center in Port Isabel and cross the bridge to the Island, with the walk finish line at the end of the causeway and the run going all the way to Louie’s Backyard, where the awards ceremony will be held.
“The event was started to celebrate the joining of Port Isabel and South Padre Island with the causeway,” Wells said. “We’re looking forward to another great year and encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity,” she said.
The top three overall male and female runners will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $600 and $400, respectively. All participants will receive complimentary T-shirts. Late registrants will be given rain checks for the shirts if supplies run out.
The 10K run will start at 10 a.m. sharp and walkers will begin their three mile stroll at approximately 10:15 a.m.
For anyone wanting to join the fun at the last minute, late registration is available. Contact the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce at 956-943-2262 or visit www.portisabel.org for complete registration details. There is an additional $5 late registration fee for runners only.