Navy Region Southwest MWR Sponsors 25th Annual Coronado Bay Bridge Run/Walk

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marie A. Montez, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Navy Region Southwest (NRSW) Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials sponsored the 25th Annual Coronado Bay Bridge Run/Walk May 15 in San Diego.

The event helps fund the five San Diego naval installations with quality of life programs, said Nancy Walker, Navy regional marketing manager for NRSW.

More than 10,000 people were invited to attend the event, roughly 2,000 more than in previous years.

"We thought we'd put it out and stretch it a little bit this year, and we sold out two weeks early," said Walker. "All participants are winners because they know they are here to support the military."

Walker has coordinated the event for the past 11 years, along with the help of more than 700 volunteers and sponsors throughout San Diego.

The four-mile bridge course is sanctioned and certified by USA Track and Field, and event participants competed in a range of age groups for both men and women.

All participants received a commemorative "Navy 25th Anniversary Bay Bridge" run/walk T-shirt with water bottles and bananas at the finish line.

The first place winners in each category received San Diego Padres baseball tickets and Padres memorabilia.

The event has become something many San Diego Navy personnel look forward to each year.

"This is my sixth year in a row," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Michael Summe, assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 51). "It's kind of a tradition running the bridge, great weather for it."

Ten thousand military and civilian community participants had the chance to take pictures while walking or running over the Coronado Bay Bridge, as this event marks the only opportunity for individuals to cross the bridge course by foot.

"It's a beautiful day, beautiful location and great setting and wonderful cause supporting Morale, Welfare and Recreation, along with the centennial anniversary for naval aviation," said Capt. Yancy B. Lindsey, commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs help promote quality of life by providing the funding for the gymnasiums, fitness centers, swimming pools, beaches, youth, teen and child centers, movie theaters, golf courses and much more.