Sault International Festival of Races
- Date Sat 26th September 2026 - Sun 27th September 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
- Price $32.80 - $64.60
- Races 8 races
- Distances 5 Mile, Half Marathon, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend at the Sault International Festival of Races, taking place on September 26-27, 2026, in the beautiful Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa. This vibrant event kicks off on Saturday with the thrilling 5 Mile International Bridge Run, where participants will race across the iconic International Bridge, enjoying stunning views of the Soo Locks and St. Mary’s Rapids. Runners must maintain a pace of 15 minutes per mile or faster to ensure the bridge's timely reopening, making this a true test of endurance and spirit.
On Sunday, the excitement continues with a variety of races including a Half Marathon, 5K Run, and a 5K Walk, all starting and finishing near the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, there's something for everyone at this festival. Last year, the event saw an impressive turnout of 720 participants, and this year promises even more fun and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Michigan! Be sure to plan ahead for travel, especially if coming from Canada, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of racing and camaraderie.
On Sunday, the excitement continues with a variety of races including a Half Marathon, 5K Run, and a 5K Walk, all starting and finishing near the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, there's something for everyone at this festival. Last year, the event saw an impressive turnout of 720 participants, and this year promises even more fun and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Michigan! Be sure to plan ahead for travel, especially if coming from Canada, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of racing and camaraderie.
Organiser's Description
_THE 5 MILE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE RUN ON DAY 1 IS A RUN. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A PACE OF 15 MINUTES PER MILE OR FASTER IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE CAN OPEN BACK UP IN THE APPROPRIATE TIME. THIS IS NOT A WALK. THOSE WHO WALK THE ENTIRE COURSE AND ARE STRUGGLING TO MAINTAIN PACE MAY BE ASKED TO STOP AND RECEIVE A SHUTTLE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE AUTHORITY. THERE IS A FREE ANNUAL WALKING EVENT OVER THE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE IN LATE JUNE THAT USUALLY COINCIDES WITH ENGINEERS DAY. THERE IS A 5K WALK DOWNTOWN THAT DOES NOT CROSS THE BRIDGE ON DAY 2 WITH ITS OWN DIVISION._
The 2026 Sault International Festival of Races will take place September 26-27, 2026. Races will begin at 8:00am on both Saturday (5 Mile Bridge Run) and Sunday (Half Marathon, 5K Run, and 5K Walk). For those traveling from Canada make sure to note the bridge will have a specific closing time prior to the race (7:30-9:30am). Give yourself additional time in case of a traffic backup. The last event took place in 2025 which saw 720 participants take part in multiple races. The 5 Mile Bridge Run will run across the International Bridge on day 1 (Saturday) starting and finishing on the historic campus of LSSU. The start/finish area will now be at the LSSU ARTS CENTER. There are views of the Soo Locks, LSSU, the St. Mary's Rapids, passing freighters, and more! There will be a half-marathon and 5k that DO NOT CROSS the International Bridge on Day 2 (Sunday) that will start/finish near the heart of downtown Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Participants wanting to participate in both Day 1 and Day 2 races are required to register for each race separately.
_YOU WILL WANT TO CARRY AN ID IN CASE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. A PASSPORT IS NOT REQUIRED WHILE RUNNING BUT RECOMMENDED. ALL CITIZENS TRAVELING FROM CANADA WILL STILL NEED A PASSPORT IN ORDER TO TRAVEL INTO THE US. WE RECOMMEND THAT PARTICIPANTS LOOK INTO PURCHASING 1 DAY INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE FROM THEIR PROVIDERS. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WILL TRANSPORT PARTICIPANTS TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL (CANADA OR US) IN THE CASE OF A HEALTH EMERGENCY ON THE BRIDGE DURING DAY 1. _
The 2026 Sault International Festival of Races will take place September 26-27, 2026. Races will begin at 8:00am on both Saturday (5 Mile Bridge Run) and Sunday (Half Marathon, 5K Run, and 5K Walk). For those traveling from Canada make sure to note the bridge will have a specific closing time prior to the race (7:30-9:30am). Give yourself additional time in case of a traffic backup. The last event took place in 2025 which saw 720 participants take part in multiple races. The 5 Mile Bridge Run will run across the International Bridge on day 1 (Saturday) starting and finishing on the historic campus of LSSU. The start/finish area will now be at the LSSU ARTS CENTER. There are views of the Soo Locks, LSSU, the St. Mary's Rapids, passing freighters, and more! There will be a half-marathon and 5k that DO NOT CROSS the International Bridge on Day 2 (Sunday) that will start/finish near the heart of downtown Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. Participants wanting to participate in both Day 1 and Day 2 races are required to register for each race separately.
_YOU WILL WANT TO CARRY AN ID IN CASE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. A PASSPORT IS NOT REQUIRED WHILE RUNNING BUT RECOMMENDED. ALL CITIZENS TRAVELING FROM CANADA WILL STILL NEED A PASSPORT IN ORDER TO TRAVEL INTO THE US. WE RECOMMEND THAT PARTICIPANTS LOOK INTO PURCHASING 1 DAY INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE FROM THEIR PROVIDERS. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WILL TRANSPORT PARTICIPANTS TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL (CANADA OR US) IN THE CASE OF A HEALTH EMERGENCY ON THE BRIDGE DURING DAY 1. _
Races
-
5 Mile Bridge Run
Incl. $3.40 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$43.40
CLOSED -
Half Marathon
Incl. $4.60 Fee & Long Sleeve Yooper Running Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$64.60
CLOSED -
5K Run
Incl. $3.40 Fee & Long Sleeve Yooper Running Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$43.40
CLOSED -
5K Walk
Incl. $3.40 Fee & Long Sleeve Yooper Running Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$43.40
CLOSED -
Virtual 5 Mile Bridge Run
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
$32.80
CLOSEDReceive a medal within 2 weeks after race and a t-shirt (if purchased by t-shirt cutoff of Aug. 31). -
Virtual Half Marathon
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Long Sleeve Yooper Running Shirt
$32.80
CLOSEDReceive a medal within 2 weeks after race and a t-shirt (if purchased by t-shirt cutoff of Aug. 31). -
Virtual 5K Run
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Long Sleeve Yooper Running Shirt
$32.80
CLOSEDReceive a medal within 2 weeks after race and a t-shirt (if purchased by t-shirt cutoff of Aug. 31). -
Virtual 5K Walk
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Long Sleeve Yooper Running Shirt
$32.80
CLOSEDReceive a medal within 2 weeks after race and a t-shirt (if purchased by t-shirt cutoff of Aug. 31).
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650 W. Easterday, Sault Sainte Marie, 49783, MI, United States
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Sault International Festival of Races
