ADVERTISEMENT

Runners can cross new Chester Bridge ahead of grand opening in 5K Race Across the River

Heartland Cares: Race Across the River raises money for schools Heartland Cares: Race Across the River raises money for schools (kfvs12)
By Amber Ruch and Rachel Grubbs

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KFVS) - Runners will get the chance to race across the new Chester Bridge ahead of the grand opening.

According to Mid America Rehab, its annual 5K will cross the Don Welge Memorial Bridge on the morning of the grand opening, Saturday, July 11, before the ceremony.

Organizers say the race course will start on the bridge, take the access road toward Highway 51 on the Missouri side, turn around and go back, cross the bridge toward Illinois and then come back to the finish line on the Missouri side of the river.

Mid America Rehab’s Race Across the River will raise money for Perryville and St. Vincent High Schools. Because they’re connecting with Illinois in this year’s race, they’re including Chester High School.

As of May 28, registration is closed after organizers say they met their 750 participant cap.

Copyright 2026 KFVS. All rights reserved.