(New Orleans, LA.  8-12-06) The Crescent City Fitness Foundation (CCFF) will host the annual Crescent Connection Road Race on Saturday, September 9, starting at 6:30pm. This unique race offers runners a challenging four-mile course beginning on the West Bank, crossing the Crescent City Connection Bridge, and ending at the Port of New Orleans Administration Building. In the CCFF tradition, a post-race party and awards ceremony will follow the race. Food and beverages will be on hand for race participants, as well as entertainment, as provided by New Orleans’ own Walter &#8220Wolfman” Washington.

 The race will start on Hector Avenue by the West Jefferson Fitness Center. Free bus service will be available from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm. to bring participants from Convention Center Blvd & Henderson Street to the start area. Limited bus service will also be provided to return entrants to the West Jefferson Fitness Center after the race.

 The time and place for all finishers will be recorded. Overall awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers. 1st overall male and female finishers in the masters and grandmasters divisions will also receive awards, as well as the top female and male finishers in specific age groups

 Entry fee for this race is $18.00 if registered in August.  After August, race fee is $20.00. Registration is available online at www.ccc10k.com or, on race day, at West Jefferson Fitness Center from 5:00 pm until the start of the race. For more information, visit www.ccc10k.com or e-mail us at CCC10K@aol.com.

 Bridge Facts:

-When originally opened to traffic in 1958, the Crescent City Connection (CCC#1) was the longest cantilever span in the world. While it has been surpassed several times in the intervening years, it still ranks as the 5th longest bridge of its kind in the world.

-The CCC is the 4th most heavily traveled toll bridge in the United States. An average of 90,000 vehicles flow through the toll plaza going to the east bank of New Orleans each day. During morning peak hour drive (7:30-8:30 a.m.) over 9,000 vehicles pass through the toll plaza. On the final day of the area’s PGA’s Golf Classic, over 101,000 vehicles pass through the tollgates headed for the East bank.

-On January 4, 1989, the CCC became the first bridge in the United States to utilize a totally automate electronic toll collection. Currently, more than 130,000 toll tags are in operation.

-The light system decorating the CCC consists of 4 strings of 62 lights. Each of the 252 lights is a 100-watt, high-pressure sodium light bulb with a life expectancy of approximately 10 years.

-It will take 3 years to completely repaint the 1,805,914 sq. ft. of steel contained in the main span of the bridge. The original paint lasted (with touchups) for almost 40 years and it is expected that when completed the new paint will last (with touchups) for another 40 years.