Part of the Skyway Bridge will close this weekend for 10K race. Here’s what to know
Runners will lace up their shoes this weekend as they run, jog, or walk the length of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to raise money for military members and their families.
The Skyway 10K Bridge Run, now in its sixth year, will happen Sunday morning.
All northbound lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge are scheduled to close for the annual 10K race, while the southbound lanes will remain open to drivers.
The bridge closure starts at 3:30 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. sharp, according to the Skyway 10K website.
The annual charity event is hosted by the Armed Forces Families Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds for military members and their families.
For six years, the organization has hosted the fundraiser event on the Skyway Bridge, and a total of $2.3 million has been donated to help military families in need.
Last year’s Skyway 10K crash
The Skyway 10K in 2022 made national news after Florida Highway Patrol Officer Toni Schuck prevented the loss of several lives during the race.
She is the trooper who stopped an alleged intoxicated driver from reaching the bridge, which was packed with thousands of runners after the driver ignored the bridge closure.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver, Kristen Kay Watts, 52, of Sarasota, bypassed multiple barricades and law enforcement officers in her BMW and was speeding toward the crowd of runners.
Schuck was the last line of defense and used her FHP SUV to bring Watts’ BMW to a halt. They hit each other nearly head-on, which left Schuck seriously injured but the runners unharmed.
Schuck would receive praise for her actions that day and earn an interview on NBC’s “Today Show.”
Watts, on the other hand, would be arrested and charged with a DUI. According to court records, Watts is also charged with fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer.
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This story was originally published March 10, 2023 at 3:40 PM.
