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
Join the excitement at the 2nd Annual Freighter Festival of Races on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in the picturesque downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa! This vibrant event celebrates the opening weekend of the shipping season with breathtaking views of freighters navigating through the iconic Soo Locks. Participants can choose from three thrilling race distances: a 5K Run, a 5K Walk, or a challenging Half Marathon, all set to kick off at 9:00 AM.
With a limit of 250 participants, this event promises a lively atmosphere where runners and walkers alike will enjoy scenic routes along the St. Mary’s River. Every participant will receive a unique freighter medal, and there are awards for top finishers across various age groups. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate spring with friends, family, and fellow runners while making unforgettable memories! Be sure to secure your spot early, as this festival is sure to sell out!
With a limit of 250 participants, this event promises a lively atmosphere where runners and walkers alike will enjoy scenic routes along the St. Mary’s River. Every participant will receive a unique freighter medal, and there are awards for top finishers across various age groups. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate spring with friends, family, and fellow runners while making unforgettable memories! Be sure to secure your spot early, as this festival is sure to sell out!
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 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!
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 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!
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
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