Labor Day Bridge Walk returns to the Copper Country

HOUGHTON — A few showers weren’t enough to discourage people from taking part in the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk in Houghton.

The Mighty Mac isn’t the only bridge crossed on Labor Day. Dozens took part in the 13th Annual UP Health System — Portage Labor Day Bridge Walk in Houghton and Hancock. Walkers gathered at Kestner Waterfront Park early in the morning to start their holiday with a little exercise.

UP Health System — Portage Exercise Specialist Susan Rosemurgy said, “I think it’s a good way to participate in physical fitness, as well as sort of do our part, like I said, toward the Bridge Walk—the Mackinac Bridge Walk is this morning also—and so it’s a good way to get families together to come out and exercise and have a good morning. Hopefully, the rain holds off for the walk.”

For the most part it did, but the rain didn’t deter those who showed up to take part. The route took them down the waterfront…across the bridge and back, then toward Michigan Tech’s campus before heading back to the park.

In all, it’s roughly five miles — just like those at the Mackinac Bridge.

The annual walk is sponsored by the city of Hancock, city of Houghton, UP Health System – Portage and Michigan’s Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.