The weather and atmosphere for the race on Sunday were fantastic. The announcer did a great job making the race exciting for everyone there and making us feel like celebrities! Running across the bridge was both a fun and challenging experience which I look forward to doing again in the future. Thanks for putting on a great event!
Denise Robson - 2009 Elite Runner
The bridge mile is a family event that myself and my three young girls make sure is on our to do list each year (2009 was our third consecutive year participating). It is exciting to watch my girls (13, 11, & 9) accomplishment running the mile distance and seeing their faces beaming with pride crossing the finish line. They love to say they just ran over the bridge. I know they feel like champions (and such a nice touch with medals for every participant). Then they get to see mom race with the elite females and are proud and inspired. The crowd support each year is phenomenal and I love running to the finish line with Eye of the Tiger blaring from the speakers. The event makes me feel like a champion. I am a marathoner; however, the bridge mile inspires me to work at improving over this shorter distance.
We look forward to being part of this GREAT event again next year!
Eric Gillis 2007 Elite Winner
I really enjoyed the race Sunday. Racing in NS is something I savour every time, and the Bridge Mile atmosphere was awesome. Dave Gill mentioned before the race what a great job Louis Brill was doing announcing,saying, "The crowd will love us all no mater how fast we run." You've got a great thing going, keep it up! I look forward to coming back and trying to make it a three peat.
Sophia Chow 2007 Elite Participant
It was my first experience with the BridgeMile and it was an unforgettable one. The announcers and the organizers had such a passion and energy, that I think all the athletes and even the crowd could feel. Everything was really well organized and for the most part everything ran on time. The crowd was amazing, especially at the end of the race when everything was hurting, they really gave me the extra push to finish. I am not typically a "miler" but this experience definitely has given me the drive to become one and finish in the top three next year! Thank you for the experience, it was truly amazing.
Leslie Fisher 2007 Elite Participant
What a great way to start off the year. It was a exciting male elite race, and as always, was very well put together. Makes for a very good day. We ended up having two good days of weather for both the bridge mile and Natal day. Looking forward to running in the elite next year. Thanks again.
Jess O'Connell Elite Runner 2006
"Hi there! I'd just like to thank you guys so much for the opportunity to compete in the BridgeMile. It was so fun, there was absolutely every single perk you could ever hope for in a race! (i.e. being driven across the bridge in the runner wagon - very interesting, the introductions, running through the ribbon, lots of people cheering, and the reception!) The youth and open races were also thriving and everyone looked like they were having a ton of fun. The competitors and organizers involved in the race were super friendly and made me feel very welcome. I love that good ol' Nova Scotia hospitality! All in all, it was a really really great experience! I've been telling all of the Calgary runners who'll listen just how awesome it is! Hope the rest of your summer was good! Thanks again."
Matt Scheffield 2005
"I've never seen so many people running toward Dartmouth! Hats off to the Bridge Mile organizers for challenging regional socio-economic stereotypes! Hats off to the Bridge Mile organizers for promoting Dartmouth as a destination worth running towards -if only for a day! Joking and Dartmouth related tomfoolery aside, the Bridge Mile is a very special event. It has achieved the crucial balance between participation and competition. Runners in the open section are inspired to watch the elites go for victory. Likewise, the elites are inspired to watch a whole cross section of runners chase after personal bests. If you're a perfectionist the Bridge Mile will get your knickers in a knot -or more likely your oh-so-tight short shorts. Strategic perfection is a near impossibility. And that's what makes it so challenging and addictive. Go out too hard and you'll hit lactic acid before the crest; go out too slow and you'll hit the downhill alongside Rich "do you even know what a fast twitch muscle is?" Leihman. Spectators hold that Rich actually said this as he flew past Robert Kitz (Ottawa Dome 3000m record holder) en route to 2005 Bridge Mile immortality. In sum, the Bridge Mile is wicked awesome x 11 and you should run!"
Interview with Jamie Blanchard 2002 Male Elite Winner 4:02
“This is my second year at the Bridge Mile, so I wanted to dowell. I heardthe buzz about there being some fast runners from Ontario so I was keen to compete. I wasn't expecting to win, just have some good competition, so I was relaxed at the start. I'm confident in my downhill ability, and when I saw that I was right with the lead pack of four at the crest of the span, I decided to go for it. Willy Best was always with me so I knew it would be a push. Willy was close on my left shoulder for the last 500 meters and I expected a kick from him. It was such a close finish and I wasthrilled with my time (4:02).
Hundredsof cheering fans at the finish line makes it a great event." "The timing of the Bridge Mile is excellent. I'm at a peak then as I have been training & competing throughout the spring & early summer. It is one of the few races at this time of year. And talk about the pre-race fanfare. With each elite runner being individually introduced, applauded, then transported via the Bridge Commission vehicle to the Halifax side start line, man, it really builds our anticipation. And after the races, the Holiday Inn reception is a great intermingling of young and experienced runners. The elite runners just loved tossing out those TD Canada Trust Frisbees to all the kids."
"Honestly, the Bridge Mile is my favorite race. Get the word out to the Track & Field coaches and Clubs. That way, you will always have the next generation of runners attending. This race has a great feel about it. Thanks to New Balance and Aerobics First for supporting such a great race day."
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Event Photography Online Photo's Courtesy of Ralph Saulnier & Dan Robichaud from way up high !
The bridge mile is a family event that myself and my three young girls make sure is on our to do list each year (2009 was our third consecutive year participating). It is exciting to watch my girls (13, 11, & 9) accomplishment running the mile distance and seeing their faces beaming with pride crossing the finish line. They love to say they just ran over the bridge. I know they feel like champions (and such a nice touch with medals for every participant). Then they get to see mom race with the elite females and are proud and inspired. The crowd support each year is phenomenal and I love running to the finish line with Eye of the Tiger blaring from the speakers. The event makes me feel like a champion. I am a marathoner; however, the bridge mile inspires me to work at improving over this shorter distance.
