'Celebrating our island': 7 Bridges 7 Brews 5K offers unique view of downtown Sault

SAULT STE. MARIE — The 7 Bridges 7 Brews annual 5K allows Sault residents the chance to celebrate what makes their city unique with a route that showcases every downtown bridge.

The 5K, set for July 20, is hosted by Bird's Eye Outfitters. During the race, the runners crisscross every bridge that connects the downtown island to the mainland. After the run is over, participants end up back at Bird's Eye Outfitters where the owners will be hosting an island-themed party complete with seven different beers to pair with each bridge in town.

This is the fifth year that the 7 Bridges 7 Brews 5K has taken place. The run began as a way to acknowledge and celebrate what makes downtown Sault unique, considering that the main section of downtown is on an island separated from the rest of the city but connected by various bridges.

The island theme continues into the post-run celebration party. Complete with Hawaiian leis and island-themed drinks and decorations, the event will also feature a costume contest. The proceeds from the run and the party will go towards supporting O.U.T. House Consortium, an organization founded by the Bird's Eye owners.

"The intention is to celebrate the downtown, our island, and to celebrate our connection with the seven bridges," said Bird's Eye Owner Wilda Hopper. "This is an opportunity for people to give a little bit to some of the community-based projects that O.U.T. House Consortium has been working on."

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O.U.T. House Consortium creates, supports and maintains trail systems in the EUP. They are involved in maintaining several public outdoor areas and even creating the Ashmun Creek trail.

The proceeds from this event will go towards the expansion of the Ashmun Creek trail, which will eventually expand to cover a larger portion of the city and surrounding area. The consortium is also hoping to support the creation of a new water area trail with help from the proceeds.

The event will include prizes for the winners of the race, by age group, as well as the costume contest, a silent auction and a raffle where they will have the chance to win a signed baseball bat and uniform from the Detroit Tigers, provided by Atwater Brewery.

Atwater is the sponsor for the event this year, and will be providing the seven themed beers from their own brewery.

The 5K will begin on the west end of the city, and runners will crisscross each bridge as they make their way east. Some participants may choose to extend the run into a 10K, but all runners will be ending at Bird's Eye. Participants will each get a token for one free drink or a non-alcoholic drink if they want.

The run will begin at 7 p.m. on Portage Avenue near the intersection of Peck Street on July 20.

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: [email protected]

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: 'Celebrating our island': 7 Bridges 7 Brews offers unique view of downtown Sault