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Running

Sault International Festival of Races

Date
September 26–27, 2026
Distance
5 Mile Bridge Run · Half Marathon · 5K Run & more
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From the Organizer

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 (7:45-9:45am).  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.  

Events

5 Mile Bridge RunSat, Sep 26 · 8 AMRegister →
Half MarathonSun, Sep 27 · 8 AMRegister →
5K RunSun, Sep 27 · 8 AMRegister →
5K WalkSun, Sep 27 · 8 AMRegister →
Virtual 5 Mile Bridge RunSat, Sep 26 · 12 AMRegister →
Virtual Half MarathonSun, Sep 27 · 12 AMRegister →
Virtual 5K RunSun, Sep 27 · 12 AMRegister →
Virtual 5K WalkSun, Sep 27 · 12 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

63°

Typical Low

43°

Chance of Rain

50%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Sault Ste Marie, 5 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 7:30 AMSunset 7:29 PMDaylight 11h 59m

Host City

About Sault Sainte Marie, MI

Elevation

622 ft

Nearest Airport

CIU

Chippewa County International Airport · 15 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Sault International Festival of Races, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

110

Days to train

Race
Sault International Festival of Races
Date
September 26–27, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Sault International Festival of Races?
Sault International Festival of Races is a running race held in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan on September 26, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Sault International Festival of Races?
Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan at 650 W. Easterday, Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Sault International Festival of Races?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Sault International Festival of Races

Sep 26, 2026

Register →