This run was created to empower women, and to cheer them on in a race where they are celebrated. “Bridging the Gap” is a metaphor for the gap women face. It’s a pay gap. It’s an accessibility gap. It’s many other gaps, and these gaps have consequences.
This event is an opportunity to Bridge the Gap. Together with the Entrepreneur Fund (501c3) and the Women’s Business Alliance we’ve created the Bridging the Gap Fund. A portion of the proceeds from the event go to this fund and provide women with resources to build and grow sustainable businesses.
Our race course encompasses some of Duluth’s most attractive features and incorporates them into one amazing experience. The race starts high above the big lake at Hawk Ridge which provides expansive Lake Superior views. Early on athletes travel along Skyline Parkway, an iconic Duluth thoroughfare, taking in the beautiful fall colors. Participants then “Bridge the Gap” on Seven Bridges Road with a beautiful descent that winds across Amity Creek before arriving at the Lake Superior shoreline. The second half of the course runs along the Lakewalk to the finish on the shore at Leif Erickson Park near downtown Duluth.
By donating to the Bridging the Gap Fund or becoming a fundraiser through your race registration local women entrepreneurs will directly benefit. The Bridging the Gap Fund was created to benefit the Women’s Business Alliance, a program of the Entrepreneur Fund (501c3) that is dedicated to supporting women at every stage of entrepreneurship. The funds raised go towards programming that directly supports local women small business owners.
The Bridging the Gap Women's 10 Mile has raised over $15,000 in the first two years of the event. This year our goal is to match this amount! Help us reach this goal by donating or becoming a fundraiser. The Entrepreneur Fund will be matching all fundraisers that raise a minimum of $300, doubling those donations!
The 10-mile course begins at Hawk Ridge high above Duluth, follows Seven Bridges Road down to the waterline of Lake Superior, and takes the Lakewalk to the finish in Leif Erickson Park. This race is open to athletes that can make the full 10-miles in less than 3 hours and 30 minutes (21 minute per mile pace).
Start Time: 8:00am CST
End Time: 11:30pm CST
Registration Opens: International Women's Day | March 8, 2023 at 6:00am CST
Prices: $65.00 + SignUp Fee: March 8 - June 30, 2023 *includes finisher necklace (does not include apparel add-ons)
$75.00 + SignUp Fee: July 1 - August 31, 2023 *includes finisher necklace (does not include apparel add-ons)
$80.00 + SignUp Fee: September 1 - October 6, 2023 @ 5:30PM *includes finisher necklace (does not include apparel add-ons)
*Add-on apparel price varies by piece and design.
Registration Closes: October 6th, 2023 at 5:30pm CST
Registration: All registration is online through this site. There is no in person or paper registration. Registration opens on International Women's Day- March 8, 2023 and closes on Friday, October 6, 2023 @ 5:30pm.
*This is a women's event, but individuals of all gender identities and expressions are welcome to participate by running, volunteering, donating, and fundraising in support of women and women entrepreneurs.
Check In & Bib Pick Up: We will offer check in, and bib pick up on Thursday & Friday before the race. You can only check in and pick up your bib during the designated times below. Your email confirmation or registration code is not required at check in- but it is helpful to volunteers if you have it. Bibs will be assigned electronically when you check in. You can check in someone other than yourself and more than one participant. To reduce waste please bring your own bag for bibs, pins, coupons, and apparel.
Check In Dates | Times | Locations:
Thursday, October 5: 2:00-6:00pm - At Duluth Running Company
Friday, October 6: noon-6:00pm - At Duluth Running Company
All athletes will receive a finisher's necklace by Erica Sara Designs, a race bib, official chip time, and participate in a well-organized and executed event. The Custom "Bridging the Gap" Apparel Collection is available for add-on. This helps us to eliminate waste, keep our events accessible, and to offer elevated commemorative apparel.
2023 Bridging the Gap Finisher's Necklace by Erica Sara Designs
$68.00 retail value
We encourage all athletes to utilize the shuttles to get to the Start Area. The shuttles depart from the Rose Garden parking lot every ~15 minutes to bring athletes to the start area at Hawk Ridge.
Shuttle Schedule: TBD
Parking is available in the Rose Garden parking lot, and nearby on London Road. A map is available HERE and parking areas are shown in yellow.
There is limited parking available at the start area along Glenwood St west of Skyline Pkwy. There is no shuttle after the event to bring athletes from the finish back up to the parking near the start area.
Our race course encompasses some of Duluth’s most attractive features and incorporates them into one amazing experience. The race starts high above the big lake at Hawk Ridge which provides expansive Lake Superior views. Early on athletes travel along Skyline Parkway, an iconic Duluth thoroughfare, taking in the beautiful fall colors. Participants then “Bridge the Gap” on Seven Bridges Road with a beautiful descent that winds across Amity Creek before arriving at the Lake Superior shoreline. The second half of the course runs along the Lakewalk to the finish on the shore at Leif Erickson Park near downtown Duluth.
To view the course map CLICK HERE. The 2023 course is the same route as the linked 2022 course.
Aid stations will be every 2 miles on the course at miles 2, 4, 6, and 8. They will provide water and an electrolyte drink to athletes. Volunteers will be present to hand out hydration as well as assist athletes fill cups and bottles. To reduce waste please consider brining and using your own collapsible cup, bottle, or soft flask.
2023 Aid Station Locations: (locations are subject to change)
2 Mile: Skyline Pkwy & Maxwell Road
4 Mile | Supported by Ascential Wealth Advisors - 61st Ave E & the Lakewalk
6 Mile: 51st Ave E & the Lakewalk
8 Mile: 32nd Ave E & the Lakewalk
The Finish line festivities during Bridging the Gap are some of the best around. Details will be released soon!
Awards Presentation at 10:30am
An awards presentation will take place at 10:30am in Leif Erickson Park. Overall and age group awards will be announced for women only. If you do not wish to participate in the awards presentation, please notify event staff of this prior to the awards presentation. Results will be available online within minutes of finishing and you will have access to this information to see if you have placed in the top 3 of your age group.
Age group awards (women only) will be provided to the top 3 finishers in each of the following age groups: 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Overall awards will be provided to the top 3 women finishers.
If you have any questions about this run, click the button below.
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