The Bay to Braman Bolt 7: Ultimate Uphill Challenge

About The Bay to Braman Bolt

Start at the bay. Face the hill. Conquer Braman.

The Bay to Braman Bolt is a 1.1-mile uphill challenge beginning beside Northport Bay, continuing through downtown and along the Nagonaba Footpath, and finishing at the summit of Braman Hill.

With approximately 200 feet of elevation gain packed into just over one mile, The Bolt is short, steep, and unforgettable. Whether you are racing for the win, chasing a personal record, or simply determined to reach the summit, every Bolter faces the same question:

Do you have what it takes to #BEATBRAMAN?

Race-Day Schedule

8:00 a.m. — Packet pickup and race-day registration open at Northport Bay Marina
8:20 a.m. — Registration and packet pickup close
9:30 a.m. sharp — The Bay to Braman Bolt begins
Approximately 10:00 a.m. — Awards ceremony at the summit of Braman Hill
10:30 a.m. — Optional group return to the bay during Will Harper’s Waukazoo Walkdown

Please arrive early. The race will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Distance and Course

Distance: 1.1 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 200 feet
Start: Northport Bay Marina
Finish: Summit of Braman Hill

The course travels from the marina through downtown Northport, continues along the Nagonaba Footpath, and finishes with the climb to the top of Braman Hill.

Start Details

The Bolt will use a self-seeded wave start at 9:30 a.m. Competitive runners and anyone attempting to win should line up near the front. Recreational runners, families, and walkers should position themselves farther back.

Registration and T-Shirts

Registered Bolters age 10 and older receive an exclusive Bolt 7 T-shirt as part of their registration.

Children age 9 and younger run for free. A Bolt 7 T-shirt may be purchased for them for $20.

Shirts will be produced in a limited run. Register early for the best chance of receiving your preferred size.

Summit Refreshments

Bananas, watermelon, and water will be provided free of charge at the summit of Braman Hill, courtesy of Tom’s Food Market.

Awards

The top male and female finisher in each age division will receive a medal.

The fastest overall finisher will receive a commemorative plaque handcrafted by Bulls-I Inc. of Traverse City.

Age Divisions

**0–9, 10–12, 13–15, 16–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39**, followed by five-year age divisions through the oldest registered participants.

Parking

The Northport Marina parking lot will be reserved for Dog Parade preparations and will not be available for Bolt participant parking. However, there is plenty of public parking spaces available near the marina.

The Cause

One hundred percent of The Bolt’s proceeds support the **Northport Area Heritage Association and Northport Museum**, helping preserve and share the history of the community through which we race.

Thanks to Bolters, sponsors, and volunteers, more than $10,000 has been raised since the race began.

Watch the 2026 Promo Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZJ0lVXna6k