Freighter Festival of Races
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Freighter Festival of Races : March 28, 2026
The Freighter Festival of Races takes place in downtown Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan at 501 Ashmun St. It is the 2nd annual edition and marks the opening weekend of freighters passing through the Soo Locks. The event has a participant cap of 250 and currently shows 5 registered participants.
Events and race information
- 5K Run
- 5K Walk
- Half Marathon
The courses run east along the St. Mary's River with views of upbound and downbound freighters. There are five aid stations on the half-marathon course supplying water and Gatorade: Aid Stations 1 and 5 at the 1.55 and 11.55 mile marks; Aid Stations 2 and 4 at the 3.1 and 10 mile marks; Aid Station 3 at the 6.55 mile mark. Early packet pickup is scheduled on the Friday before the race at a TBD location, and race day packet pickup will be available near the start/finish area. Parking is available along streets and lots throughout downtown Sault Sainte Marie.
Registration fees vary by date. A long-sleeve T-shirt is available for an additional $20 with online registration; select sizes will be available for sale at packet pickup. All participants receive a unique freighter medal. Overall awards will be given for gender, masters, and grand masters, and 1st-place age group awards will be presented for standard age brackets. Bib-draw giveaways are also listed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
