Freighter Festival of Races
- Date Sat 28th March 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
- Price $22.20 - $43.40
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, Half Marathon
Event summary
Get ready for a thrilling experience at the 2nd Annual Freighter Festival of Races, taking place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in the picturesque downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa! This exciting event celebrates the opening weekend of the shipping season with a vibrant atmosphere, as participants can choose between a 5K Run, a 5K Walk, or a challenging Half Marathon. The races kick off at 9:00 AM, winding along the beautiful St. Mary's River, offering stunning views of both upbound and downbound freighters.
With only 250 spots available, this popular race is sure to sell out, so secure your place early! Each participant will receive a unique freighter medal, and for those looking to commemorate the event, long sleeve T-shirts are available for purchase. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join fellow running enthusiasts in a celebration of fitness, community, and the breathtaking scenery of Sault Ste. Marie!
With only 250 spots available, this popular race is sure to sell out, so secure your place early! Each participant will receive a unique freighter medal, and for those looking to commemorate the event, long sleeve T-shirts are available for purchase. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join fellow running enthusiasts in a celebration of fitness, community, and the breathtaking scenery of Sault Ste. Marie!
Organiser's Description
SELLS OUT AT 250 PARTICIPANTS
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 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!
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 TBD Location. Arrive early to pick up your bib and t-shirt. Additional t-shirts available for purchase.
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP: Race Day Packet Pickup will be available from 7:30-8:45am near the start/finish area. Parking is available along streets and lots throughout downtown SSM.
AWARDS (5K RUN, 5K WALK, AND HALF-MARATHON) All participants will receive a unique freighter medal. 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: Unique Award
Age Group Awards 1st Place: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+. Award to be announced!
Bib Draw Giveaways: Unique giveaways based on a randomized list.
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/]
AID STATIONS: There will be 5 aid stations with water and Gatorade throughout the half-marathon course. Aid Stations will be located at:
Aid Station 1 and 5 (MCM Marine): 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 (Nicolet just before 5 mile road): 6.55 mile mark (half-marathon turnaround).
VOLUNTEERS: We will need volunteers for packet pickup (filled), aid stations (filled), traffic intersections/turns, and awards table. Free or discounted entries for current or future races available. Email [email protected]
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 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!
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 TBD Location. Arrive early to pick up your bib and t-shirt. Additional t-shirts available for purchase.
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP: Race Day Packet Pickup will be available from 7:30-8:45am near the start/finish area. Parking is available along streets and lots throughout downtown SSM.
AWARDS (5K RUN, 5K WALK, AND HALF-MARATHON) All participants will receive a unique freighter medal. 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: Unique Award
Age Group Awards 1st Place: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+. Award to be announced!
Bib Draw Giveaways: Unique giveaways based on a randomized list.
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/]
AID STATIONS: There will be 5 aid stations with water and Gatorade throughout the half-marathon course. Aid Stations will be located at:
Aid Station 1 and 5 (MCM Marine): 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 (Nicolet just before 5 mile road): 6.55 mile mark (half-marathon turnaround).
VOLUNTEERS: We will need volunteers for packet pickup (filled), aid stations (filled), traffic intersections/turns, and awards table. Free or discounted entries for current or future races available. Email [email protected]
Races
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501 Ashmun St., Sault Sainte Marie, 49783, MI, United States
Freighter Festival of Races
