Monroe Locals Get Early Access to 45th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run

Monroe County runners received a local priority when registration opened for the 45th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run, an eight-kilometer point-to-point event scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026. The race committee granted Monroe County residents early access on Jan. 22, 2026, and opened registration to everyone online on Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. ET, according to the event notice and the race listing.

Organizers emphasize that registration is online only. The race listing says, "Registration is ONLINE ONLY." The committee also warns that capacity is limited: organizers can accept only 1,500 entries and "the field fills very quickly," so local priority could be decisive for residents trying to lock in a spot.

Packet pickup is strictly enforced and confined to the day before the race. "PACKET PICKUP IS ON FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026 BETWEEN NOON AND 8:00 PM ONLY. MAKE PLANS NOW TO BE ABLE TO BE THERE. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO PICKUP YOUR NUMBER! NO EXCEPTIONS!" reads the race listing. The page also details identification requirements for packet collection, including the race’s unambiguous policy: "You MUST show your Photo ID WITH THE SAME ADDRESS YOU REGISTERED WITH when picking up your number. NO EXCEPTION/NO REFUNDS." The organizers reiterate residency expectations for locals: "MONROE COUNTY RESIDENTS: You must be a full time resident with your photo ID (license) matching the address you signup with. No exceptions."

The race listing explains additional pickup rules and enforcement: each runner must collect their own packet with valid photo ID, digital copies or screenshots will not be accepted, parents or guardians may pick up for minors, and "No bib number transfers, or family/friend pick-ups allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS! NO REFUNDS!" The page cautions participants that digital or photocopied IDs are unacceptable: "We will not accept digital copies, photocopies, screenshots of IDs, and/or photos of IDs on your phone. These WILL NOT be accepted, you will NOT receive your packet, and entry will be denied."

For local competitors and small businesses, the entry cap and early-access policy matter economically and logistically. A capped field of 1,500 limits potential out-of-area entrants, which concentrates participant spending, lodging, dining, and retail, among fewer visitors but increases the chance that residents secure spots. Local runners who depend on in-person pickup must arrange schedules around the Friday April 10 window to avoid forfeiting entry.

The organizers recommend creating a RunSignUp account ahead of registration to expedite the process. Residents planning to participate should confirm remaining questions, exact start time, packet pickup location, entry fees, and safety or road-closure plans, with the race director. With limited entries and strict ID and pickup rules, local runners who prepared in advance stand the best chance of crossing the 45th finish line.