Thousands prepare for Beach to Bay Relay Marathon May 16 on Armed Forces Day, with near sellout and over $10M impact.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Thousands of runners are gearing up for the 49th annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon, set to take over the Coastal Bend on Armed Forces Day, May 16.<\/p>\n
Race organizers, Corpus Christi police and Mayor Paulette Guajardo gathered at City Hall Wednesday to discuss race day plans, including security, safety and the economic impact of the 26.2-mile event.<\/p>\n
Organizers say this year’s race is shaping up to be the biggest since the COVID-19 pandemic \u2014 and registration is nearly sold out.<\/p>\n
“It’s taken a few years to come back from COVID, but the numbers are high and we’re actually going to sell the race out in the next few weeks,” said Beach to Bay Run Director Doug McBee. “It’s been a long time since this has happened. It’s been slow, but we’ve made it and we’re going to be big this year.”<\/p>\n
McBee added that some divisions are almost gone. “The two-person relay is going to sell out in the next day or two. It’s almost full, and the full marathon is almost full \u2014 just a day or two behind that. And before the last deadline, the six-person relay will probably be sold out as well.”<\/p>\n
The race offers multiple divisions, including a six-person relay, a two-person relay and a solo full marathon option.<\/p>\n
Mayor Guajardo highlighted the race’s significance beyond the finish line.<\/p>\n
“The economic impact of this event is over $10 million. That is huge for our community,” Guajardo said. “We’re very excited to have them back and to do something for the community that is healthy, it’s fun and it’s a tradition.”<\/p>\n
She noted the race draws competitors from well beyond the Coastal Bend. “You have people coming in from across the country, across the state, across the world to come and run this race \u2014 and they have to stay here a few nights, so hotels will be filled.”<\/p>\n
Drivers should also plan ahead on race day. CCPD Capt. Timothy Frazier said lane closures will be significant along several major roads.<\/p>\n
“Some lane closures are going to be pretty significant for the public all along Park Road 22, the JFK Bridge, NAS Corpus Christi, Ocean Drive and Shoreline,” Frazier said. “We’re encouraging people to make sure they’re watching for runners, staying out of the runners’ lanes and taking their time. I would even say start early if you’re in any of the areas affected by the run.”<\/p>\n
Frazier also urged drivers to respect coned-off areas. “We want everybody to be safe. It’s for the runners, it’s for the police department, and we want to make sure that everybody is safe.”<\/p>\n