Final Prep for the Across the Bay 10k!

This morning I volunteered to help set up the starting area for the Across the Bay 10k.  It was hard work since we basically only moved fencing down the starting area (it was put in the wrong place) but it was totally worth it since I got an insider's look at the start of tomorrow's race!!

So here's what to expect tomorrow:
First, it sounds like there will be security as you board your bus to be sure you don't have any prohibited items (selfie sticks, backpacks, glass containers, weapons, facemasks, large flags and drones.)  Then the bus will whisk you away to Northrup Grumman, and drop you off in front of all these portajohns!!

Some are going to be moved to the bridge, but you get the idea.  There will be ample chances to use a bathroom before starting the race!  (But with 25,000 participants, definitely expect there to be lines.)

This is the other side of Northrup Grumman, facing the Chesapeake Bay.  There are more portajohns and the big blue barrels will have water to refill bottles before starting the race.  There are also several barrels like this along the route.

This is the view across from Northrup Grumman.  It's a great place for pre-race pictures!  Even on a rainy morning it was a gorgeous view.

The starting line!!!  (I helped attach it to the trusses before they lifted it up then strapped a bunch of panels with ads on them to the fronts.)  You'll pass underneath it after a bit of a chute with security fences on either side of the road.

This is the fencing I helped move.  This is after the starting line (facing towards the starting line.)  You won't want to get too close to the fencing because those cement bricks are big and HEAVY!

This also is about how much space you'll have for the rest of the race, as the race takes place on the eastbound side of the bridge which is just two lanes.  At some points it will get a little cramped for the water/bathroom stops along the bridge and for the EMTs.

Hope this helps anybody with pre-race jitters!  It sure helped me and it was actually kind of fun helping with setup for the race itself.  
See you all at the finish!  BEAT THE BRIDGE!!!