This 5K run will 'Rock the Locks' for the first time

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE MARIE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
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SAULT STE MARIE, MICH. - With cooperation from the Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Development Authority was granted permission to host a 5K through the Soo Locks Park set to occur Saturday, June 15, 2019.

This evening run/walk will commence at Brady Park beginning at 7 p.m. with live music dispersed along the course to entertain event goers. Rock the Locks 5K is family-friendly and open to all runners or walkers of varying abilities.

Rock the Locks 5K has been organized as a fundraiser for Sault Ste. Marie Mainstreet efforts to aid in improvements to historic downtown. The idea for a mid-summer, evening race had been discussed amongst different event organizers and with the support of Downtown Development Authority Board Member, Danna Sanderson, the event came to fruition.

Her many years of involvement with the Summer Solstice Race (on behalf of Girls on the Run) brought a vast catalogue of knowledge to the planning of Rock the Locks 5K. “Rock the Locks is going to be an exciting and well run event which we hope to grow into a destination race in the years to come,” Sanderson elaborated.

Event participants will follow a scenic route that travels them through the Soo Locks Park; along historic Water Street; across the East Portage Avenue Bridge, around Alford Park and back along Portage Avenue ending at Brady Park.

Course highlights include: The world famous Sault Locks, the historic Johnston House, Kemp Marina, Pullar Stadium, Museum Ship Valley Camp, Cloverland Hydroelectric Plant, St. Marys River, Tower of History and Fort Brady. Rock the Locks 5K is an open course that will cross some areas with thru traffic.

The majority of the course will take place on public sidewalks. Participants are expected to be cautious of their surroundings to ensure personal safety. Auxillary police are scheduled to stop traffic at course intersections to allow safe entry and exits for all 5K participants.

For the safety and security of the Sault Locks, The Army Corps of Engineers and 5K organizers would like to remind all participants and spectators that those carrying purses or bags of any sort will be searched prior to entry into any open gate of the Soo Locks Park. The committee and Corps appreciate all cooperation in advance.

Spectators are encouraged to cheer 5K runners (or walkers) across the start/finish line at Brady Park or any scenic areas surrounding the course. Cheering sections should be mindful of the safety for all runners or walkers, as the majority of 5k traffic will happen along sidewalks. Event coordinators are asking all spectators to refrain from obstructing ALL areas of the sidewalks.

Registration for Rock the Locks 5K is open now and up to the day of the event. Registration includes a custom Rock the Locks finisher medal, Tech T-Shirt, and post-race food and beverage. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category.

Additional information, registration and a course map for Rock the Locks 5K can be found at www.downtownsault.or/rockthelocks or https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rock-the-locks-5k-race-tickets-60189954775

No 5K has ever taken place through the Soo Locks Park. Join us as we celebrate one of the world’s unique marvels of engineering, during the inaugural Rock the Locks 5K!

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