Beach to Bay returns to Corpus Christi on Saturday for its 49th year, bringing thousands of runners, road closures and concerns about South Texas heat and humidity.
Race organizers say this year’s event is sold out, with local runners joined by teams traveling in from outside the Coastal Bend.
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To help alleviate traffic congestion around the island and university areas, the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will once again offer shuttle services for runners.
“The race traffic for any place heading out towards the island or around the university area, many of the roads are gonna be blocked off or down to one lane, but the buses have priority access in those areas,” CCRTA Chief Executive Officer Derrick Majchszak said. “To ensure you get there on time and safe, ride public transportation.”
Majchszak said shuttle service for the first two legs will depart from Freedom Fitness, located at 5858 South Padre Island Drive, beginning at 4:45 a.m. Saturday. Buses for leg one will run until 5:15 a.m., while service for leg two continues until 6 a.m. Return shuttle service will also be available back to the parking area for both legs.
Additional transportation options will be available for some later stages of the relay. Leg three runners can park near Security Drive in Flour Bluff, with the exchange point within walking distance and no return shuttle service provided. Leg four runners will also park in the same area, with return transportation available afterward. Leg five shuttle service will depart from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, but runners are responsible for arranging transportation after the race, while no shuttle service will be provided for leg six.
With temperatures and humidity expected to create difficult running conditions, participants are also being encouraged to hydrate and prepare in advance.
Trey Perez, who is running the fourth leg in his first Beach to Bay race, said even experienced runners must take extra precautions in South Texas conditions.
“That’s about 4.6 miles. I’m looking to do about 6:30 per mile,” Perez said.
Perez said he plans to focus heavily on hydration and nutrition before race day.
“Carb load, get as much carbs as I can, and take in as much water all day,” he said. “Taking some sodium in the morning because it’s supposed to be a scorcher, and leg four is supposed to be not much shade, so a little bit nervous for it.”
Beach to Bay begins at 7 a.m. Saturday on the beach.
Race organizers said food, water and alcoholic beverages will be available at the finish line, but outside alcohol remains prohibited.