MRE, the Maritime Republic of Eastport, is an enlightened democracy based in the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis, Maryland, has become a force in the community since its founding on Super Bowl Sunday 1998. Doing good for the community and having fun at the same time – “fun with a purpose,” is our mission, albeit with a quirky and sometime bizarre way of carrying it out.
Saturday, May 19 - 15th Annual MRE .05K Bridge Run
Eastport Bridge, on the Eastport side
crack o'noon
Are you up to the challenge?
Mark your calendars and dust off your running shoes
Hey you Wanna be Athletes, Couch Potatoes and Canines
Come out and compete for coveted trophies and bragging rights!
Registration opens at 10 a.m., Fleet Feet Parking lot
$20 Registration fee includes a limited edition Cindy Fletcher Holden tee
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2011 Tug Ends in a 3-3 Tie
Save the Date for the 2012 MRE Tug of War: Saturday, November 3
Read the 2011 story in The Capital
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About the Tug
and The Maritime Republic of Eastport (MRE*)
Billed as the longest International** Tug of War over water in the world , The Tug of War was originally conceived by the residents of Eastport thirteen years ago when the City of Annapolis used the excuse of a "public works project" to close the Spa Creek bridge that leads to Eastport from Annapolis. This unprovoked act of aggression on the part of the City of Annapolis had the effect of cutting off Eastport residents and businesses from the rest of the city. The somewhat fractious citizens of Eastport, feeling the sting of rejection by The City and, perhaps, somewhat emboldened by the generous pouring habits of a local bartender, decided to declare war against The City of Annapolis and secede. Thus, to the rallying cries of " Up The Republic" , the micro-nation known as The Maritime Republic of Eastport was born.
In the ensuing years, although the Spa Creek Bridge has since re-opened, the once persecuted citizens of Eastport (Eastport-O-Ricans) have yearly declared a symbolic War of Independence against The City of Annapolis lest anyone forget this dark period of Annapolis-Eastport relations. The Tug of War, a celebration of the geographical and, some would argue, philosophical differences between Eastport and Annapolis, is a not-to-be missed maritime event unlike any other.
*The MRE is a registered 501(c)3 organization. All funds raised by the Tug and other MRE events are distributed to various charitable organizations in the Annapolis area. To date, over $275,000.00 has been raised.
**While other cities may claim to host a longer Tug, this is the only international Tug competition over water in the world. To read more about the history of The Maritime Republic of Eastport please visit here.
