Greater Binghamton Bridge Run returns: What to know about schedule, traffic, parking

Neal Simon, Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
·5 min read

After COVID-19 disruptions in 2019 and 2020, the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Bridge Run Half Marathon & 5K is returning to when it was designed to take place: the first Sunday in May.

Because of COVID, the 2020 Bridge Run was held with a virtual format over three weeks in late September and early October.

Then due to continued pandemic-related gathering restrictions, last year's races were shifted from May to Sunday, Sept. 26.

Now all systems are go Sunday for the largest yearly running event in the Greater Binghamton area.

Organizers are excited to transition back to the normal race weekend for the 12th annual Bridge Run.

“As a recreational runner myself, I am thrilled to see the return of the Annual Bridge Run Half Marathon & 5K to its in-person format this May,” said Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance. “While there will also be a chance to participate virtually, to be able to gather again downtown and raise funds as a community for this year’s charity partner, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Tiers, is already a win for our runners.

"From the Half Marathon to the Kids Fun Run, the Bridge Run proves to be a timeless favorite of the Greater Binghamton community each year.”

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Race organizers expect a field of nearly 1,000 in-person and virtual participants for the half marathon, two-person half marathon relay, 5K and kids fun run races.

The Bridge Run is part of the 2022 Empire Road Race Series. The 2022 ERRS is a set of 10 races in and around the Greater Binghamton area, with the Bridge Run the second in this year's series.

The half marathon and half marathon relay course crosses four bridges and under one where participants will have great views of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers.

Full schedule for Sunday, May 1:

Location: Mirabito Stadium, 211 Henry St., Binghamton

  • 6 a.m. Race Day packet pick-up for half-marathon in front of the stadium

  • 7:25 a.m. Runners line up/national anthem, starting line on Henry Street in front of stadium

  • 7:30 a.m. Half Marathon & Half Marathon two-person Relay start

  • 8 a.m. Race Day packet pick-up for 5K & Kids, in front of stadium

  • 9:30 a.m. Victory Village opens with live music by Hot Dogs & Gin and Beer from Beer Tree Brew Co., Fayette Street parking lot

  • 10 a.m. 5K start on Henry Street, near post office

  • 10:30 a.m. awards ceremony for Half, 5K and Relay, Victory Village, Fayette Street parking lot

  • 10:45 a.m. Kids Fun Run, around bases on field with Rowdy (meet at side entrance of stadium on Fayette Street)

  • 11 a.. Course closes for both races

Several traffic restrictions will be in place beginning at 7 a.m. Motorists should give themselves extra time to arrive at their destination. Restrictions will expire at 11 a.m. when the Bridge Run course is officially closed.

Traffic restrictions for Greater Binghamton Bridge Run

  • Westbound traffic on Clinton Street

  • Southbound traffic on Glenwood Avenue (until after all half marathon runners pass)

  • Eastbound traffic on Main Street from Matthews Drive to Court Street and from Court Street to Tompkins Street

  • Southbound on Tompkins Street

  • Westbound traffic on Conklin Avenue

  • Southbound coming off the Rivertrail onto Court Street and from Court Street to Front Street

  • Northbound on Main/Court to Hawley Street

  • Southbound on Front Street

  • Westbound on Leroy Street to West End Avenue

  • Northbound from West End Avenue to Highland Avenue

  • Eastbound on Highland Avenue to Beethoven Street

  • Southbound on Beethoven Street to Seminary Avenue

  • Eastbound on Seminary Avenue from Beethoven Street to Laurel Avenue

  • Northbound on Laurel Avenue from Seminary Avenue to Schubert Street

  • Westbound on Schubert Street from Laurel Avenue to Schiller Street

  • No traffic on Schiller Street from Grand Avenue to Britnall Place

  • Northbound on Britnall Place to Main Street

  • Northbound on Fayette Street from Court Street to Mirabito Stadium.

  • Eastbound and Westbound closed from Oak Street to Water Street

  • Northbound and Southbound closed from Front Street to Leroy Street

There will also be restrictions on parking. Those bans will be in effect from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday. Free parking is available at Mirabito Stadium and in all City of Binghamton parking facilities.

No parking will be permitted in the following areas:

  • North side of Henry Street from Chapman Street to Water Street

  • North side of Clinton Street from Front Street to Glenwood Street

  • South side of Main Street from Crestmont Road to the Court Street Bridge

  • South side of Court Street from the Court Street Bridge to the Route 363 Exit Ramp

  • West side of Tompkins Street from the Tompkins Street Bridge to Conklin Avenue

  • North side of Conklin Avenue from Hall Street to Telegraph Street

  • North side of Conklin Avenue from Exchange Street to the South Washington Street Bridge

  • West side of Front Street from Main Street to Riverside Drive

  • Leroy Street from Front Street to West End Avenue

  • East side of West End Avenue from Leroy Street to Highland Avenue

  • South side of Highland Avenue from Leroy Street to Beethoven Street

  • West side of Beethoven Street from Highland Avenue to Seminary Avenue

  • South side of Seminary Avenue from Beethoven Street to Laurel Avenue

  • East side of Laurel Avenue from Seminary Avenue to Schubert Street

  • North side of Schubert Street from Laurel Avenue to Schiller Street

  • East side of Schiller Street from Schubert Street to Grand Blvd

  • North side of Grand Blvd from Schiller Street to Britnall Place

  • East side of Britnall Place from Grand Blvd. to Main Street

Bridge Run returning features

For participants, returning Bridge Run features include colorful mile marker flags and asphalt arrows on the half marathon course at 21 key intersections.

Emergency medical services will be available on site at the stadium and along the course.

The finish line for the Half, Relay and 5K will be on Henry Street, near the front of stadium.

Official timers from Falcon Race Timing will have race result kiosk stations, allowing runners to view and print their results instantly. Results will also be posted on the Bridge Run website.

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton Bridge Run 2022: Schedule, traffic, parking