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Freighter Festival of Races

location_city Sault Sainte Marie

location_on Michigan

flag United States

calendar_today 28 Mar, 2026

nordic_walking Others

language Official Website

Register

About the Event

SELLS OUT AT 250 PARTICIPANTS

RESULTS LINK 2025

 

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

 

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, 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 yooperrunning@gmail.com

  

Races Offered

5K Run

Mar 28, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Walking

timer

09:00

5K Walk

Mar 28, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Walking

timer

09:00

Half Marathon

Mar 28, 2026

straighten

Distance — 13.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Walking

timer

09:00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Sault Sainte Marie.

Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat -6.1° / 1.8°
wb_sunny -11.6° / -3.2°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air 13.3 /
water_drop 75.5%

About Sault Sainte Marie

Scenic view of

Sault Ste Marie or is a city of 14,000 people (2010) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, across the river from the twin city of Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario in Canada.

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Hotels & Places to Stay

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