Events
Kids Dash
Canal Run 2026 - Registration Options
New Date: July 17, 2027
Thank you for your patience as we navigate these unchartered waters of having to cancel the Canal Run on race morning.
We have two options to choose from for your 2026 registration:
- Donate your registration to the Canal Run. The Canal Run is a non-profit and has already expensed over $30,000 that can't be recouped for the 2026 race - insurance, permits, shirts, tents, timing chips, etc.
- Defer your registration to 2027
Note - we have a no refund policy in place and there are no exceptions to this policy.
If you did not receive a 2026 race shirt or a Half Marathon finishing medal, but would like to, please stop by the Portage Fitness Center at 921 W. Sharon Ave. in Houghton to pick them up. This is a first come first serve bases.
We understand there is frustration in the timeliness of the decision to cancel. As of Friday and even Saturday morning, the air quality index (AQI) models were favorable and met the objective measures we had adopted earlier this year. However, the AQI started climbing again prior to the race starts and we determined we could not safely hold the race. We worked as quickly as possible to communicate the decision, but we know we missed some individuals and we apologize for that.
Here Are Your Options:
Description
Following the rolling hills along the Portage Lake Shipping Canal, the Canal Run offers four distances for runners and walkers of all levels, including a half marathon, 10-mile run, 10-mile walk, five-mile run, five-mile walk and two-mile fun run/walk. The Canal Run also features adaptive races for wheelchair or blade participants!
Official events include:
- Half Marathon
- Bob Olson 10 Mile Run
- 5 Mile Run
- 10 Mile Walk
- 5 Mile Walk
- 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk
- Kid's Dash
- Adaptive categories for the Half, 10 Mile and 2 Mile distances
The Canal Run is self-sustaining, bringing in enough money in registration fees and sponsorships to cover all the costs. Since 2011, the organizing committee has been able to donate over $30,000 to area non-profit organizations as part of its Canal Run Gives Back program.
Place
Hancock, MI US 49930
Race Contact Info
How to Register
There are four ways to register for the Canal Run. Please choose the one that is easiest for you.
- Register Online Here! Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday, July 16.
- Download our registration form (see PDF below), fill it out and mail it to us at 921 W. Sharon Ave.; Houghton, MI 49931. Checks can be made out to “Canal Run.” Forms must be received by Wednesday, July 15 in order to be processed.
- Contact us, and we will mail you a registration form.
- We will have last-minute registration Friday, July 17 from 3 to 8 p.m. on the lawn of Quincy Green, which is located at 435 Quincy Street. We highly suggest registering ahead of time, though. This will save you money. In order to receive a shirt on race day (versus 3 weeks after the event), you must register by June 1. There is no race day registration!
Registration Notes
- Prices jump on January 1, April 1, July 13 and July 18. We suggest registering as early as you can to make sure you save money!
- We offer no refunds.
- Veterans and Active Military receive $2 off their registration fee. Enter coupon code - Veteran
- U.P. Road Runners Club members receive $2 off their registration fee. Enter coupon code - UPRRC
- Online registration closes Thursday of race week at midnight.
- Register by June 1 to ensure your t-shirt size will be available to you race weekend.
- Age Requirements: At least 16-years-old to compete in the half marathon, 13 to compete in the 10-mile-run and all of those under 10 must be accompanied by an adult for the five-mile run and two-mile fun run. There are no age requirements for walking events.
Team Discounts
- 5 or more participants in any of the races = $3 off each entry fee.
- 10 or more participants in any of the races = $5 off each entry fee.
- Teams can be created during the registration process or via our Teams page. Refunds are automatically processed through RunSignUp once team requirements are met.
- Having difficulties registering a team online? Contact us to help!
What Do I Get for Registering?
The Canal Run is the premier running and walking event in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. We pride ourselves in offering a great race to our participants, including:
- Chip-timed racing through Superior Timing
- A commemorative Canal Run t-shirt
- Water stations throughout the course
- A medical station at the finish line with medical personnel
- Unique awards and medals for half marathon finishers, overall and age group winners
- Free downloadable photos from the race courtesy of Brockit Photography
2026 Registration Mail-in form
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
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Race Participant Survey
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