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Run the Fred Hartman Bridge for a Houston hill workout
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The Baytown Hartman Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the state of Texas. Rising 178 feet over the Houston ship channel, it provides an excellent hill workout running route in an otherwise flat Houston.
Running over and back is approximately 5.25 miles. One loop will actually provide 3 ascents and descents. From the Baytown to the LaPorte side it's one long bridge, but returning the other way adds a shorter bridge, or overpass, depending on how you look at it. See the slide show below.
How to get to the Fred Hartman Bridge
Since the bridge spans the Houston ship channel from Baytown to LaPorte, it's accessible from either of those towns. Runners coming from Houston proper can arrive there by taking 225 south from the 610 Loop. Those from the Clear Lake, Pasadena, Seabrook, Kemah, and League City areas should take Hwy. 146 north.
Once there, cross over to the Baytown side. There are two good spots to park at the base of the bridge. To the left is the Missouri Street Church of Christ. To the right is a boat launch with a large parking lot. Obviously, don't park at the church on Sunday. There is a port-o-potty at the boat launch; toilet paper may or may not be featured.
Running the Baytown Bridge
As usual, run against traffic. The bridge itself has a break-down lane 8 feet wide so it's not overly dangerous. On the lead-up to the first ascent, hop over the concrete traffic barriers (first photo in the slide show below) because the shoulder there is quite narrow. This lead-up is actually a bonus because it provides a nice warm-up, unlike the Kemah Bridge where the steepness is right in your face.
Running down the far side of the bridge after the steep section is a longer not-so-steep stretch. Do not get lulled into running too fast. It's still downhill and still concrete. Respect thy knees and guard against shin splints.
Take care crossing traffic at the 225 exit sign to run the other side of the bridge.
Special considerations
- It's a good idea to wear sunglasses, preferably wraparound. Why? It can be windy up there. That, and the draft created by trucks can whip up grit. Take a camera. The view is awesome.
- Standard disclaimer: Although the shoulders are wide, run this route at your own risk. Runners with a fear of heights (altophobia), fear of vehicles (ochophobia), or fear of wind (ancraophobia) should consider this hillwork workout carefully.
- Finally, texasexplorer.com states, “Religiously guarded by the US Coast Guard and the local police force, stopping on or near the bridge will result in a quick response and possible fine.” This runner has never seen evidence of this as it applies to foot traffic.
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