Longest Causeway Walk/Run, Held in PI/SPI

by Tony Vindell/LFN

More than 2,000 walkers and runners braved Saturday’s cool weather to participate in the annual Longest Causeway & Fitness Walk and reached the finish line with smiles in their faces for completing the journey.

The participants, made up of people from all ages, took off in front of the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce and ended on the east side of Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway. The event took place on half of the bridge lane facing motorist as the other half was reserved for traffic leaving South Padre Island.

Representatives of several companies sponsoring the 10k run and 5K walk handed out medals to each of the participants.

Among them were Janie Kersey, Richard Romo, Natalio Romo and Norma Silva of Los Fresnois.

“I have been participating in this walk for the last seven years,” Natalio Romo said, “and I will continue doing it for as long as I can.”

For Kersey, this was her second time.

“This is good exercise and a good environment,” she said. “The people are always friendly.”

Gloria Yerigan, a Winter Texas from Minnesota, said she looks forward every year for this day.

“I like to support the community and like to stay healthy,” she said. ”This is a wonderful event.”

The annual walk and fitness activity is held to raise funds for the chamber, which this year is launching a new scholarship program.

Betty Wells, the chamber’s president, said more than 2,000 entries registered for the 34th longest causeway day.

“It started for a variety of reasons and one of them was to bring visitors during a time that is traditionally slow,” she said. “We also wanted to have something fun to do.”

Wells said the proceeds from the walk/run go back into the chamber.

And this time they are setting up a scholarship program that will award four $500 scholarships to graduating high school students from the area.