Northport’s signature foot race, the Bay to Braman Bolt, returns Sunday, Aug. 9 after moving from Labor Day weekend to the beginning of August. The date change allows more college students to participate before returning to campus.
“Moving The Bolt to early August gives more college students the chance to come home and conquer Braman before heading back to campus.”
For the first time since its founding in 2018, the 1.1-mile race moves from Labor Day weekend to the beginning of August, with registration opening at 8:00 a.m. at Northport Marina and the race beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Returning champion Samuel Elder will be back to defend his title after winning last year’s Bolt in 6:51.
Despite briefly heading the wrong way down West Street before getting back on course, Elder still claimed victory and now returns with an opportunity to see just how much faster he can conquer Braman.
The challenging course begins at Northport Marina, blazes through downtown, follows the Nagonaba Footpath, and finishes atop Braman Hill, the highest point in Leelanau County. Though just 1.1 miles long, the course climbs approximately 200 feet in elevation and has become one of northern Michigan’s most distinctive road races.
Since its inception, The Bolt has donated more than $10,000 to the Northport Museum (NAHA). One hundred percent of race proceeds support the museum’s mission to preserve and share the community’s history.
Registration is now open. Entry fees are $30 for ages 10–18, $40 for ages 19 and older, and free for children ages 9 and under when running with a participating adult. Every registered participant ages 10 and older receives a limited-edition Bolt 7 T-shirt while supplies last.
Do you have what it takes to #BEATBRAMAN?
For more information, visit the Local Riff Raff Co. Facebook page or register at RunSignUp.
