June 23, 2026 8p
(WGTD)---The Racine bridgetender who disrupted the annual Lighthouse Run by opening a bridge on the race route not once but twice during the race is facing disciplinary action.
In a news release, city officials apologized to the organizers and participants of the Saturday race through downtown Racine. "We value our long-standing partnership with the Lighthouse Run organizers and remain committed to supporting this important community event and ensuring an incident like this does not happen again," the statement read.
The release said the organizers followed all the necessary paperwork to secure the approvals needed to keep the Main Street bridge closed between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. But the bridge tender, according to the release, failed to follow what the city termed clear instructions.
As a result, the city employee is no longer serving as a bridge tender and will face disciplinary action, up to and possibly including termination, according to the release.
Patrick Flynn, President of 5K Events, the race organizer, said in a statement that the incident spoiled the competitive nature of the race and frustrated runners.
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