The Sun Shines on Second Annual Seven Bridges Road Half Marathon and 5K

Weather Isn’t Everything, But the Right Conditions Can Be a Big Help
By RYAN MORRILL and VICTORIA LASSONDE | May 03, 2012
Photo by: Ryan Morrill ON THE RUN: Participants cross one of several bridges on the scenic and aptly named "Seven Bridges Road" (also known as Great Bay Boulevard) in Sunday's half marathon and 5K. Behind them, a view of the old Fish Factory in Little Egg Inlet.

Last Sunday's second annual Seven Bridges Road Half Marathon and 5K in Tuckerton drew 315 registrants, with proceeds benefiting Ocean of Love, a Toms River-based nonprofit organization that provides support services to families of children with cancer. Sponsored by Applebee’s of Manahawkin, the event honors the memory of Tyler Berg, a local boy who died six years ago, at age 8, from brain cancer.

Registration was held at the Tuckerton Seaport, with the starting line located around the corner, in the neighborhood of Bartlett’s Landing. Upon making their way out to Great Bay Boulevard (locally known as Seven Bridges Road), 123 half marathoners (68 women, 55 men) followed an out-and-back course to total 13.1 miles, taking in the breathtaking scenic views of marshlands and wildlife along the way. The 192 5K runners and walkers – with 142 females comprising an overwhelming majority – did their 3.1-mile distance on the same road.

In a foot race, the elements can play a major role in the runners’ performance and, of course, comfort. Participants in Sunday’s 5K and half were treated to temps in the low- to mid-50s and a light northwest breeze – ideal conditions for a long run.

The sunshine was bright and cheerful without being too hot. With temps in the 50s and a light breeze, conditions were just about perfect. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
Kaley Aikman finished third in her age group and 20th overall in the half, with an impressive time of 1:53:25.5. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
Britta DeKluyver finished seventh in her age group (40-49) and 14th overall, coming in it a swift 1:49:13.5. The wooden bridges on the course broke up the distance nicely. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
At the sound of the air horn, runners take off from the starting line in the neighborhood of Bartlett's Landing. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
Louise Nunan (center), the fastest woman in the 40-49 age group, keeps pace with Alan Scott (left), the fastest male in the 30-39 group and Martin Poerner (right), the second fastest male in the 50-59 age group. Scott finished in 1:30:55.6, and Nunan and Poerner finished just two minutes later, at 1:32:51 and 1:32:30, respectively. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
Early in the race, runners cross the first bridge on the journey down Great Bay Boulevard. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
Joey Harvey, 18, the first place winner in the half marathon, crosses the finish line in 1:26:09.1. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
Blue skies and unobstructed views of the marshes and inlet made for a beautiful and serene backdrop. (Photo by: Ryan Morrill)
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