Neuse River Bridge Run 2026

Neuse River Bridge Run helps bridge gaps in our community!

Adults and children, lace up your running shoes for fun, exercise and a worthy cause! For over 20 years, the Neuse River Bridge Run (NRBR) has been uniting runners, walkers, volunteers and sponsors - all to support five important non-profit organizations in our community. The NRBR follows routes over bridges, through historic neighborhoods, and through downtown New Bern. We offer four events, a 1/2 Marathon, at 10K, a 5K, and the SuperKids Fun Run. In addition to the 4 in-person races the NRBR will continue to offer all four options as virtual events for 2026.

Our mission is to serve the community by promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. All five organizations are committed to working together to manage this event resulting in great benefits to our communities. The five organizations equally share 100% of the net revenue generated by the events. The Craven Community College Foundation, The Filling Station, Duffyfield Phoenix Project, Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina, and Twin River YMCA all benefit from your participation. Please visit this link to learn more about us!

Please note that only the in-person ½ Marathon and 10K events can offer the full bridges experience. Virtual runners will need to plot their own course that does not include runs over the Neuse River Bridge. The Neuse River Bridge is only safe for runners on our designated in-person date of Saturday,  May 2, 2026.

In-person 1/2 Marathon and the 10K courses feature a run over the large span of the Neuse River Bridge. All three courses, 5K-10K-1/2 marathon, include a run over the George Cunningham Bridge which spans the Trent River.  Then the courses wind through a circuit around and though historic New Bern. The races all finish on East Front Street in front of the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County in New Bern.

IN PERSON EVENTS

Race Dates: Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, 2026

SuperKids Fun Run

Race day is Friday, May 1, 2026. The fee for the SuperKids Fun Run is $20 per child. Start time: 5:30 p.m. 

4:00 to 5:30 p.m. - Check-in & Registration at Union Point Park
Registration and pick-up for t-shirts and goodie bags begins at 4:00 p.m. Then the young runners will join with our volunteer crew of Craven Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training students for games, warms up and a little coaching prior to the race events. The children will be grouped by age category and the races will start a 5:30 p.m.

Click Here for complete details about race day for the SuperKids Fun Run

1/2 MARATHON, 10K and 5K 

Saturday, May 2, 2026

All three of these events will be timed. A chip enabled bib is required and will distributed at Race-Kit Pick-up events at the Riverfront Convention Center on Friday, May 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 2 from 6:00 a.m. to 15 minutes before the start of your race. 

Start Times:

• 7:00 a.m.  Half Marathon
• 7:30 a.m.  10K
• 8:15 a.m.  5K

Timing

Official timing for the Neuse River Bridge Run in-person events will be provided by our partners Run the East. Run the East is North Carolina’s leading provider of professional race timing and management services. Their focus is on providing registration, timing, and management services to area events, with a goal to provide both race directors and runners an excellent race experience. 

Fees

Early registration is through February 28th. Prices will increase on March 1, 2026.

Current In-Person Fees:
Half Marathon: $70 ($80 after February 28, 2026)
10K: $55 ($65 after February 28, 2026)
5K: $45 ($50 after February 28, 2026)
Kids Run: $20 (no price change)

The top three finishers in the in-person races, 5K, 10K & Half Marathon, in both male and female categories, will receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze medals. The top three finishers in the in-person races, in both male and female categories, in 13 different age groups will receive Gold, Silver or Bronze medals. In addition, all 1/2 marathon runners who complete the race will receive a finisher medal at the finish line.

Age Group Categories:
Age 14 and Under
Age 15 to 19
Age 20 to 24
Age 25 to 29
Age 30 to 34
Age 35 to 39
Age 40 to 44
Age 45 to 49
Age 50 to 54
Age 55 to 59
Age 60 to 64
Age 65 to 69
Age 70 and over

VIRTUAL EVENTS

Virtual Fees

Half Marathon: $70 ($80 after February 28, 2026)
10K: $55 ($65 after February 28, 2026)
5K: $45 ($50 after February 28, 2026)
Kids Run: $20 (no price change)

Date Range for the virtual events: Friday, May 1 - Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Virtual Races will not be timed, but race results can be tracked and reported via the Smart phone app RaceJoy. Times can also be reported through the NRBR website. Place medals will not be awarded to virtual participants. 1/2 Marathon runners will receive the participation / finishers medal.

Virtual participants can choose to pick-up their race kit at Riverfront Convention Center on Friday, May 1st OR they may to choose to pay a shipping fee to have their T-shirt and race swag mailed to them at $7.95 per person. The first mail date for virtual race kits is April 20.

POST RACE CELEBRATION

A celebration for all participants, their families, and supporters, will be held in the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County  (across the street from Union Point Park) in The View on the waterfront side of the center and on the Riverfront Veranda from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Food, soft drinks, and beer will be served. Awards distribution will begin at 8:30 a.m. in The View (the large room on the waterfront side of the convention center) 

This event is timed by Run the East! With professional race timing services and a focus on delivering accurate results, 
we’re here to make your race day seamless and enjoyable. Learn more at runtheeast.com.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are not allowed for any of the 2026 Bridge Run in-person events. 

Are pets permitted to accompany participants if they are on a leash?

Pets are not allowed in any of our distance events.  There has been concern in the past that a pet might get tangled up with other runners or might get overly excited.  

Are refunds given if I can’t participate in the 2026 Bridge Run?

Refunds are not given once a person is registered.  Each registration generates actions such as ordering swag and other costs.

Can I defer my registration to the following year?

No, once you register for the event you chose we cannot defer that registration to the following year.  

Can I transfer my registration to another person?

Yes, The Bridge Run allows participant transfers through RunSignup. You may transfer your registration to another person as long as they will be participating in the same distance you originally selected. 

The Transfer to Another Runner option can be found by logging on to your RunSignup account, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer to Another Runner. 

Is there a time limit for any of the events?

While there is no specific time limit for each of the races, the streets will begin to reopen to traffic at 10:00. All participants of all races need to be finished by 10:00 a.m. When selecting selecting which race to participate in, we recommend that you select a race that you can finish by 10:00 a.m. 

Can I choose to walk or do I have to run in order to register?

You can walk any of the distance events, however, the streets will begin to reopen to traffic at 10:00 a.m. and all participants of all races need to be finished by then.

If you plan to walk, we recommend that you use the 10:00 a.m. finish time to select a race/distance that you can finish. 

If I register for a Virtual event, would I receive any swag?

Yes, your registration for any of the Virtual distances will also get you swag for your participation.  You will be informed of where you can pick up your swag or you may choose to have it mailed to you.  If you choose to have it mailed, you would be charged the cost of mailing.

Does a Virtual event have to be completed all at once?

No, the nice thing about participating as a Virtual registrant is that you can choose where and when as well as how you would like to run or walk the event you’ve chosen.  You can do it over several days or at one time.  It is your choice.

Will the results from my Virtual event be posted?

Unfortunately, we would not have any way of tracking your event and verifying the time and distance so we are not able to post results from any Virtual events.

Is there an age limit for kids participating in the in-person distance events?

• Children must be at least seven years old to participate in the 5K and 10K distance events.
• To participate in the 1/2M, a child must be at least ten years old.
• Kids 12 years old or younger can participate in the SuperFun Kids Run on Friday, May 1st at Union Point Park. 

Does each child receive a medal if they participate in the Kids Run?

Yes, each child will receive cheers, encouragement and a medal once the cross the finish line.

Are there different distances for kids who are different in age?

Yes, kids group are separated by age.  The youngest is 3 years old.  Kids 3-4 years old are in one group and will run one loop around the circle at Union Point Park (less than a 1/3 mile).  Kids 5-8, will run 2 laps around the circle and Kids 9-12 run 3 laps around the circle at Union Point Park.  

Is there a rain date if we have inclement weather on the day of the Bridge Run?

No, we will run the in-person events on May 2nd, rain or shine.  If bad weather is predicted for Friday evening, the SuperFun Kids Run will be moved indoors.  The locations will be announced on the Bridge Run website (bridgerun.org) and the Bridge Run Facebook page. 

Does everyone who registers for the in-person events receive a medal?

No, for the in-person 5K and 10K events on May 2nd, the first three finishers in each age group will receive medals.  The age groups are listed on our website.  All participants who complete the ½ Marathon will receive a medal.

Will there be medical services available during the Bridge Run events?

Yes, medical personnel will be on-site at the Convention Center plus we will have an EMT team and ambulance on site just in case there is a need for medical support. We also have five different law enforcement agencies who will be on-site and at various locations along the routes. There will be an EMT team and ambulance at the SuperFun Kids Run on Friday evening as well.

All runners and those who walk each event will be trailed by people on bicycles to ensure folks follow the routes and to be able to respond if there is a need for medical support.

Is parking available for participants on the Bridge Run?

Race Day Parking - Public Lot and Street Parking spaces are available all over Downtown New Bern.  AVOID entering downtown from Highway 70 / Highway 17 via the downtown exit.  Plan to come into downtown using the PEMBROKE Exit, then to Broad Street. Stay clear of the intersection of East Front and South Front at Union Point Park. This area will be blocked for the Start and Finish areas of the race. The Cunningham Bridge over the Trent River closes beginning at 6:30 AM.  SEE MAP BELOW or go to: New Bern Parking Map

Visit New Bern - Learn more about Events, What to eat, Where to stay, Where to shop 

New Bern's Favorite Attractions

Tryon Palace - New Bern History Center

New Bern Fireman's Museum 

The Birthplace of Pepsi Store

Craven Arts Council & Gallery 

New Bern Civic Theatre

New Bern Farmer's Market

Historical Society - Spring Homes Tour 

New Bern Battlefield Park 

New Bern Music Calendar - Live Music

Neuse River Bridge Run - PO Box 234 - New Bern, NC 28563-0234
www.BridgeRun.org

A 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to community service and wellness. Member Organizations: Craven Community College Foundation - Duffyfield Phoenix Project - The Filling Station - Mediation Center of Eastern North Carolina - (RCS) - Twin Rivers YMCA

SUPER KIDS FUN RUN 

RACE DAY

Friday, May 1, 2026 - UNION POINT PARK - 210 E Front St, New Bern, NC 28560

4:00 to 5:30 p.m. - Check-in & Registration

Registration and pick-up for t-shirts and goodie bags begins at 4:00 p.m. Then the young runners will join with our volunteer crew of Craven Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training students for games, warms up and a little coaching prior to the race events. The Children will be grouped by age category and the races will start.  

RACES

5:30 to 7:00 p.m. - SuperKids Fun Run will races start. The first face is set to start at 5:30 p.m.  We will start with the youngest group and the other groups will start by age as the preceding race finishes. Medals will be awarded immediately after each race. 

There will be five races for the following age groups: 3/4 yrs., 5/6 yrs., 7/8 yrs., 9/10 years, 11/12 years.  In addition to participation medals for each runner, there will be a NRBR “GOLD” medal for the winning boy and girl in each age category.

The entry fee is $20 per child, and includes a t-shirt, participation medal and a goody bag provided by the Super Kids Fun Run sponsors. Goody Bags, participation medals & t-shirts will be given out at event and race kit pickup,  OR if you have chosen to participate in a virtual race you may request to have the race kit will mailed for a $7.95 fee.

VIRTUAL RUN

This year, we will continue to offer virtual events in addition to the in person races.

How it Works
Sign up here (use the Sign Up button at the top of the page).
Print out your digital bib (from your Runsignup profile page) if you'd like.
Download the RaceJoy app for the best race experience.
Run your race at a place of your choosing (including a treadmill) before the deadline. If you use RaceJoy, it will automatically submit your results. If not, go to the results page and submit your time.

Virtual Race FAQs

What is a virtual run?

A virtual race is an event where you sign up and participate on a course of your choosing (or a treadmill). This is a great opportunity to work towards your running goals, stay healthy, and support a great cause!

The event will feature a leaderboard so you can still see how you stack up against your fellow competitors!

Where do I run?

You can run at a course of your choosing, including on a treadmill. 

When do I run?

You can run (or walk) anytime between May 1 to May 9, 2026.

Will this race be timed?

The virtual run will not be officially timed, but by using the RaceJoy app, you can receive a GPS-based time which will automatically submit your time for you. There will be an online leaderboard showing everyone's times.

How do I post my results?

The easiest way is to use RaceJoy during the race! If you choose not to use RaceJoy, then you can visit the results page and click the "Submit Virtual Results" link at the top of the page.

When/how will I get my swag?

Virtual participants can choose to pick-up their race kit at NBRFCC on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County OR they may to choose to pay a shipping fee to have their T-shirt and race swag mailed to them at $7.95 per person. The first mail date for virtual race kits is April 20. The last day for registration and kit mailing for the virtual races will be May 3.

Every registrant in the 5K, 10K or 1/2 Marathon, virtual or in-person, receives a 2026 Neuse River Bridge Run t-shirt designed by a local artist, Matt Wiggins. Half Marathon Finishers will also receive a finisher's medal. 

This year the Neuse River Bridge Run T-shirt is a high quality cotton blend t-shirt with a very soft finish . . . a runner's favorite shirt.

Universal Adult Fit sizes offered:

• Small
• Medium
• Large
• Extra Large
• 2 Extra Large
• 3 Extra Large

You can earn a $15 refund off your registration fees by referring 3 friends to sign up and join you at the Bridge Run, then earn an additional $15 back for each additional 3 people that you refer, up to a full refund of your entry fee! All you need to do is share your unique referral link, which you will receive when you register for the race. Get 3 friends to sign up for the Bridge Run using that link and you will automatically receive a $15 refund of your registration fee. Cha-Ching! You can email, share on social media or text your friends this link.