Freighter Festival of Races
- Date Sat 28th March 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
- Price $38.10 - $64.60
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, Half Marathon
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exciting day of running at the 2nd Annual Freighter Festival of Races on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa! This vibrant event celebrates the opening weekend of the shipping season with a stunning backdrop of the St. Mary's River, where participants can catch breathtaking views of the freighters navigating through the iconic Soo Locks. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual walker, the festival offers something for everyone, featuring a 5K Run, a 5K Walk, and a challenging Half Marathon. All races kick off at 9:00 AM from the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours, ensuring a festive atmosphere right from the start.
With a cap of 200-250 participants, this event promises to be a memorable experience filled with camaraderie and community spirit. Each participant will receive a unique freighter medal and have the chance to win exciting awards, including custom mugs and coffee from local favorites. Don’t miss out on the early packet pickup on March 27, where you can grab your bib, t-shirt, and even enjoy delicious pasties! Make your plans now to join this fantastic celebration of health, fitness, and the beauty of Sault Ste
With a cap of 200-250 participants, this event promises to be a memorable experience filled with camaraderie and community spirit. Each participant will receive a unique freighter medal and have the chance to win exciting awards, including custom mugs and coffee from local favorites. Don’t miss out on the early packet pickup on March 27, where you can grab your bib, t-shirt, and even enjoy delicious pasties! Make your plans now to join this fantastic celebration of health, fitness, and the beauty of Sault Ste
Organiser's Description
SELLS OUT AT 200-250 PARTICIPANTS (Finalized 4-6 weeks out from race day)
RESULTS LINK 2025 [https://my.raceresult.com/332078/]
Celebrate the opening weekend of the Freighters passing through the Soo Locks for the beginning of the shipping season! Yooper Running Company is hosting the 2nd Annual Freighter Festival of Races in downtown Sault Sainte Marie! There will be a 5K Run, 5K Walk, and Half Marathon Run. The races will start at 9:00am. The courses will run East along the St. Mary's River to catch some views of upbound and downbound freighters! NEW START/FINISH AREA: Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours at 515 E Portage Ave next to the Pullar Ice Arena and the Museum Ship Valley Camp.
5K RUN AND 5K WALK REGISTRATION PRICES + OPTION FOR $20 LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
2025 - $20
January 2026 - $25
February 2026 - $30
March 1 to March 26 - $35
March 27-28 - $40
HALF MARATHON PRICES + OPTION FOR $20 LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
2025 - $40
January 2026 - $50
February 2026 - $55
March 1 to March 26 - $60
March 27-28 until 8pm - $65
LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT CUTOFF: $20.00/Long Sleeve T-Shirt. Select Size T-Shirts will be for sale at packet pickup.
EARLY PACKET PICKUP: There will be an early packet pickup from 4-7pm on Friday at the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours (515 E Portage Ave, SSM, MI, 49783). Arrive early to pick up your bib and t-shirt. Additional t-shirts available for purchase. New in 2026: Pasties from Yooper Pasty on sale during packet pickup!
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP: Race Day Packet Pickup will be available from 7:30-8:45am near the start/finish area at the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours at 515 E Portage Ave. There is a large parking lot there!
AWARDS (5K RUN, 5K WALK, AND HALF-MARATHON) All participants will receive a unique freighter medal. Long Sleeve T-Shirts are available to purchase with online registration. There will be select sizes available for purchase at packet pickup.
Overall Award for Gender, Masters, and Grand Masters: Custom Mug from Bricco Designs, 12oz coffee bag from Drummond Island Coffee. Overall Gender Winners will receive 2 free tickets to a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tour as well.
Age Group Awards 1st Place: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+. Custom Mug from Bricco Designs, 4oz coffee bag from Drummond Island Coffee.
HOTELS: Please check the following website for a list of lodging options. There are many hotels within several miles of downtown. Sault Sainte Marie Hotels and Motels [https://saultstemarie.com/places-to-stay/hotels-motels-condos/]
RESTROOMS: There are plenty of indoor restrooms available inside the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours Building. Their building is within 50 meters of the start/finish. There will be 1 porta potty on course near the Riverside Cemetery that is located around the 4mile/9.1mile mark of the half marathon.
AID STATIONS: There will be 5 aid stations with water, Gatorade, and snacks throughout the half-marathon course. Aid Stations will be located at:
Aid Station 1 and 5: 1.55 mile mark (5k turnaround North Side of Road) / 11.55 mile mark (South Side of Road)
Aid Station 2 and 4 (McLeod Residence): 3.1 mile mark (McLeod Northeast Side of Road) / 10 mile mark (McLeod Southwest Side of Road)
Sponsored by Jess Johnston of Five Water Realty [https://www.fivewaterrealty.com/], and Jason McLeod
Aid Station 3: 6.55 mile mark (half-marathon turnaround).
VOLUNTEERS: We will need volunteers for packet pickup (needed), aid stations (LSSU Kinesiology Club), traffic intersections/turns, and awards table. Free or discounted entries for current or future races available. Email yooperrunning@gmail.com if interested.
RESULTS LINK 2025 [https://my.raceresult.com/332078/]
Celebrate the opening weekend of the Freighters passing through the Soo Locks for the beginning of the shipping season! Yooper Running Company is hosting the 2nd Annual Freighter Festival of Races in downtown Sault Sainte Marie! There will be a 5K Run, 5K Walk, and Half Marathon Run. The races will start at 9:00am. The courses will run East along the St. Mary's River to catch some views of upbound and downbound freighters! NEW START/FINISH AREA: Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours at 515 E Portage Ave next to the Pullar Ice Arena and the Museum Ship Valley Camp.
5K RUN AND 5K WALK REGISTRATION PRICES + OPTION FOR $20 LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
2025 - $20
January 2026 - $25
February 2026 - $30
March 1 to March 26 - $35
March 27-28 - $40
HALF MARATHON PRICES + OPTION FOR $20 LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT
2025 - $40
January 2026 - $50
February 2026 - $55
March 1 to March 26 - $60
March 27-28 until 8pm - $65
LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRT CUTOFF: $20.00/Long Sleeve T-Shirt. Select Size T-Shirts will be for sale at packet pickup.
EARLY PACKET PICKUP: There will be an early packet pickup from 4-7pm on Friday at the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours (515 E Portage Ave, SSM, MI, 49783). Arrive early to pick up your bib and t-shirt. Additional t-shirts available for purchase. New in 2026: Pasties from Yooper Pasty on sale during packet pickup!
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP: Race Day Packet Pickup will be available from 7:30-8:45am near the start/finish area at the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours at 515 E Portage Ave. There is a large parking lot there!
AWARDS (5K RUN, 5K WALK, AND HALF-MARATHON) All participants will receive a unique freighter medal. Long Sleeve T-Shirts are available to purchase with online registration. There will be select sizes available for purchase at packet pickup.
Overall Award for Gender, Masters, and Grand Masters: Custom Mug from Bricco Designs, 12oz coffee bag from Drummond Island Coffee. Overall Gender Winners will receive 2 free tickets to a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tour as well.
Age Group Awards 1st Place: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+. Custom Mug from Bricco Designs, 4oz coffee bag from Drummond Island Coffee.
HOTELS: Please check the following website for a list of lodging options. There are many hotels within several miles of downtown. Sault Sainte Marie Hotels and Motels [https://saultstemarie.com/places-to-stay/hotels-motels-condos/]
RESTROOMS: There are plenty of indoor restrooms available inside the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours Building. Their building is within 50 meters of the start/finish. There will be 1 porta potty on course near the Riverside Cemetery that is located around the 4mile/9.1mile mark of the half marathon.
AID STATIONS: There will be 5 aid stations with water, Gatorade, and snacks throughout the half-marathon course. Aid Stations will be located at:
Aid Station 1 and 5: 1.55 mile mark (5k turnaround North Side of Road) / 11.55 mile mark (South Side of Road)
Aid Station 2 and 4 (McLeod Residence): 3.1 mile mark (McLeod Northeast Side of Road) / 10 mile mark (McLeod Southwest Side of Road)
Sponsored by Jess Johnston of Five Water Realty [https://www.fivewaterrealty.com/], and Jason McLeod
Aid Station 3: 6.55 mile mark (half-marathon turnaround).
VOLUNTEERS: We will need volunteers for packet pickup (needed), aid stations (LSSU Kinesiology Club), traffic intersections/turns, and awards table. Free or discounted entries for current or future races available. Email yooperrunning@gmail.com if interested.
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515 E Portage Ave, Sault Sainte Marie, 49783, MI, United States
Freighter Festival of Races
