Big event in Michigan Soo set for Saturday

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Chamber Chase features International Bridge, busy streets

Third annual event to be followed by 10th annual Oktoberfest
 
SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – A remarkable view of two nations and packed city streets are in store this Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie.
 
The third annual “Sault Area Chamber Chase” routes runners across the International Bridge and back and continues along Portage Avenue to Riverside Drive until it reaches 7 ½ mile road and returns for a fast finish on Historic Water Street and the grounds of City Hall. 

It’s a race that featured 295 runners in 2011 and race officials anticipate that number to grow this Saturday.
 
“We’re ahead eight percent in registrations compared to this point last year,” said Al Case, executive director of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s exciting to see the continued growth of this event in our community. In particular, it is great to see returning runners from here in Sault Ste. Marie, as well as a long list of new runners from outside of our community.”
 
The route begins on the campus of Lake Superior State University and concludes at City Hall and has been certified by the U.S. Track and Field Association, making it a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. 

Unlike many road races, much of the course remains open to traffic throughout the morning with a temporary lane closure on the International Bridge being the primary exception.
 
“Runner safety is very important to us and while we would love to close down all the city streets for this event, we know that is simply not feasible at this time,” said Case. “We urge our community members to drive with caution this Saturday morning.” 

Case also noted that the race features several course marshals that will help runners and drivers alike on the course. 

Community members wishing to learn more about the course route can visit the Chamber website for a full course map to see what roads are affected by the race.
 
Immediately following the Chamber Chase, runners and non-runners alike will congregate in downtown Sault Ste. Marie for the city’s 10th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration.
 
Highlights include live polka music by "Wil Kilpela & Friends," beer barrel relay races, a tug-o-war competition, and of course beer, bratwursts and other specialty foods and beverages.

Restaurants and pubs including Moloney's Alley, Soo Brewing Company, The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Frank's Place, and Zorba's will be selling specialty food and beverages throughout the day and providing outdoor seating.

Oktoberfest will also include a farm and craft market, bouncy inflatables for the kids, polka dance classes at the polka stage, and live music late into the night at Soo Brewing, Moloney's Alley, and other local establishments.
 
For complete race information, visit here or call the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce at (906) 632-3301. 

For more information on Oktoberfest, visit here or call the Downtown Development Authority at (906) 635-6973.

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