This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Queen Isabela Causeway tragedy. To commemorate it, some 5,000 people will participate in the 11th annual Causeway Run and Walk on September 12, 2026.
I posted this article in 2022, and the excitement is still there among Valleyites.
Life in the Rio Grande Valley has changed dramatically within the last ten years. The pace is faster, the traffic more congested, and our lives are split in many ways. There are also hundreds of events, and the choices continue to grow, but there is an event that stands out among the rest.
I am old enough to remember when the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway opened in 1974. At that time, it was simply the Queen Isabella Highway. “Memorial” came after the tragic collapse of the top portion of the causeway in September of 2001. The causeway was named in honor of Queen Isabella of Castile. The causeway replaced a previous one with the same name.
It is the second-longest bridge in Texas, with a distance of 2.5 miles (4.0 km), and connects the island to the rest of Texas via Texas Park Road 100. The causeway is for vehicle traffic only, so when the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce bestows the opportunity for pedestrians to enjoy it, we must answer the call, locals and visitors alike. I think this is a must-do event for all Valley residents. At least once in our lifetime.
This past Saturday, September 17, 2022, marked my third participation and my husband’s fourth. It was our first summer run; a wonderful experience we shared with a couple of good friends. In Harlingen, we woke up at 4:30 a.m. that morning to be on time for the 7:00 a.m. start. When we got there, it was still dark, and it had started raining, dampening my hopes of a good day. But alas! Sunshine drove the rain away and welcomed us at the foot of the causeway. It was a magical time.
I’m grateful this event is open to those who just want to walk across and enjoy the magnificent views, or else I’d never be able to participate. There were young couples pushing strollers, young children, and grandparents. For the most part, the younger crowd participated in the run. I felt exhilarated and happy to be there with so many others. It is also a time for reflection on life, our health, and prayer for those who have perished at this site throughout the years. This year will be special and an opportunity to offer our prayers as we walk and meditate on the many blessings we experience.
In 2022, the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce introduced performance-style commemorative T-shirts. Mary, the chamber’s director, said 1,200 participants ran this summer. The winter events bring over 4,000 people, including our Winter Texans. Today, in 2026, they are expecting around 5,000 participants.
This event depends on TexDOT to close the causeway, and sometimes, due to construction, dates can’t be set in advance, and the event is rescheduled. I highly recommend that those interested in participating in future events follow the Port Isabel Chamber on Facebook and be ready for the next causeway run. There are two annual events: Summer Causeway Run and the Causeway Run and Fitness Walk coming up on April 10, 2027. It is the 43rd annual event.
I know some friends who are afraid of heights and don’t participate in this event due to their phobia. I want to say that you don’t walk close to the edge, and you don’t have to look down, either. Just focus on the view ahead and the early morning sunshine over you. When I got to the top and looked toward the island, I could not believe I still had all that way to go! Looks like a very long way, but the company of friends and engaging conversation made it so easy that we kept walking to Louie’s Backyard, where the celebrations and awards ceremony were held. Louie’s Backyard is the finish line for runners. For those walking, the finish line is at the end of the causeway where you get on shuttle buses to Louie’s. At the finish line, we were also awarded a very nice medal; I felt so accomplished!
At Louie’s, they offered us fresh fruit courtesy of HEB, water, refreshments, and healthy snacks.
Kudos to the PI Chamber staff! The event was well organized and enjoyable all the way. I look forward to the next one! In my humble opinion, I think everyone who lives in the Valley should consider this experience at least once in their lifetime. It is well worth the effort.
The next one is here, and my husband and I have been getting ready for the challenge. My hips and knees are not what they used to be, but I am thrilled at the possibility of another opportunity to walk the historic Queen Isabela Memorial Highway in memory and in honor of those who died in the tragic accident 25 years ago.
