More than 1,000 expected to participate in Neuse River Bridge Run

Despite a chance of showers, Craven County's largest outdoor fund-raiser for charity is nearing the starting line at a record pace.

There were 650 registered runners through Wednesday, a 30 percent increase over the same time before the race last year. Runners and walkers are expected to top 1,000 by Saturday morning's start to 10K and 5K events.

The proceeds are divided evenly among 11 groups, with each receiving about $3,500 in 2007.

Homer Ray, the race coordinator, said a record number of 10K runners - more than 300 - were expected for the 8:30 a.m. start at the Food Lion on N.C. 55 in Bridgeton.

He urged anyone wanting to ride the shuttle to be at Union Point Park early. Registration begins at 6 a.m., and the first bus leaves a half-hour later. The last shuttle departs at 7:30 a.m.

"So you can see, if we have 300 people trying to get on a 40-passenger bus at 7:30, that's not going to work," he said.

Runners who plan to travel to the starting area on their own can avoid the early Saturday trip to Union Point Park. They can pick up their timer chip, registration or information packs Friday at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall on Pollock Street after 1 p.m.

The 10K race route goes west from the Bridgeton Food Lion, across the Neuse and Trent rivers, through downtown New Bern and finishing at Union Point Park. There will be three water stations along the route.

The 5K race will begin at 8:45 a.m. just outside Union Point Park and go through historic New Bern and return to the park. Due to construction on Broad Street, the course this year takes runners onto East Front Street along the river and the route includes Queen, Pasteur, George, Broad, and Middle and South Front streets.

There will be two water stations along the route.

Runners will be offered the Championship chip-timing system, which is attached to a runner's shoe.

There has been an emphasis on teams this year after the Craven County Sheriff's Department had an impressive showing winning the team title a year ago. Seventeen teams have signed up, including 50-person squads from both Eastern Carolina Internal Medicine and Craven Community College Basic Law Enforcement.

Another popular side event is the costume contest, won a year ago by Liberty Tax Service, with a Statue of Liberty theme.

Ray, who is the race director for the second year, said the event is for everyone.

"It's for serious and not-so-serious runners and people that would like to walk," he said. "It's a chance to set a goal for yourself and have fun."

Fifth annual Neuse River Bridge Run

Oct. 18: 10K race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Food Lion in Bridgeton. 5K race begins at 8:45 a.m. at Union Point Park. Both races finish at the park.Registration fee: $25.

Awards for overall and age categories. Special prizes for costumes.

Proceeds go to 11 area charities: Coastal Women's Shelter, Craven Arts Council and Gallery, Craven Community College Foundation, Craven County Partners in Education, Craven Regional Medical Center Foundation, MERCI Clinic, Promise Place, Religious Community Services, Senior Pharmacy Programs, Twin Rivers YMCA, and The Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina.

For information: Call 636-3381, or on the Web: www.newbernrun.com