MARATHON, Florida Keys — The 29th annual run across the scenic Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon is set for Saturday, April 17, 2010, but interested runners need to act now to secure their participation.

Applications to run in the race can now be requested. The run is limited to the first 1,500 people who return completed applications to the Marathon Runners Club.

Because the number of applicants generally exceeds 1,500, organizers encourage prospective competitors to request and return their applications quickly.

The Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges in the world, is the centerpiece of the 113-mile Overseas Highway that connects the Florida Keys to the mainland. The annual race gives runners the chance to traverse the entire expanse of the landmark bridge. All applications to run in the race must be requested and returned by mail.

Requests for applications should be sent to the Marathon Runners Club, P.O. Box 500110, Marathon FL 33050. Requests must include a self-addressed, stamped, legal-size or 4-inch by 9-inch (minimum) envelope. Applications for the run were scheduled to be mailed out Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Returned applications must be completely and correctly filled out. Incomplete, reduced-size and incorrect applications will be disqualified. For more information about the Seven Mile Bridge run, call (305) 395-7040 or visit southernmostrunners.com.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (305) 743-5417 or (800) 262-7284,E-mail or explore this Web site.