Run on the beach at North Padre Island

For the Beach to Bay Relay Marathon in Corpus Christi

By Bonny Osterhage

It's that time of year again! On Saturday, May 16, at 7 a.m., thousand of runners will take their marks at Nueces County Park on the beach in Corpus Christi for the 34th annual Beach to Bay Relay Marathon.

Each team of six runners begins the first leg of the race on North Padre Island along the sandy beach. The remaining three legs take place on pavement and wind runners through the Naval Air Station before ending at Cole Park in downtown Corpus Christi.

Steeped in tradition, the Beach to Bay Marathon is always held on the third Saturday in May, which is Armed Forces Day. This event began in 1976 as a way to honor those brave men and women who serve in the military.

The cost to participate is $185 per team. For information call (361) 881-6166 or visit the Web site at www.beachtobayrelay.com