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9/10/11 (AEIN) The annual Bridge Run event was held on Saturday morning as part of the Triple Crown series. The walk/run race began under mostly clear skies near the Rollodrome in Auburn, Maine after a moment of silence for 9/11 victims. Some streets in Auburn and Lewiston were temporarily closed for the event.
Runners first crossed the Bernard Lown Peace bridge, then passed through parts of Lewiston and crossed two other bridges. Despite the pleasant weather, turnout was somewhat lower than usual - partially because organizers postponed the race in late August, due to Hurricane Irene. Among over 600 registrants, approximately 400 showed up and completed the race.
Runner Jaron Jones came in first with a time of 16 minutes and 24 seconds. Thomas Esponnette was second and Matthew Peters third. Tina Meserve was the first woman to complete the race, with a time of 19 minutes and four seconds. Many of the runners were from Auburn, Lewiston and neighboring towns. A few came from places as far away as Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Winners were also announced by age group for both the Bridge Run and the Triple Crown series. Runners with the best overall times for the three Triple Crown races were awarded cash prizes. Additional walkers and runners who finished the Bridge Run were selected at random to win various items donated by area businesses, such as fruit pies, gym bags and gift certificates.
Participants received a variety of food and drinks as well as coupons from local restaurants. Registration fees for the event went to benefit the Bridge Run Foundation, which works to promote good health and outdoor activities in the Lewiston/Auburn area.