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 inaugural Freighter Festival of Races complete with a vendor/craft show inside Avery Square in downtown Sault Sainte Marie!  There will be a 5K Run, 5K Walk, and Half Marathon Run starting and finishing near Avery Square.  The races will start at 8:00am (*Updated 12/16/24).  The courses will run East along the St. Mary's River to catch some views of upbound and downbound freighters!  After your races enjoy a unique craft show from 8am-1pm. Vendors please reach out to Dani at yooperrunning@gmail.com for a spot.

Avery Square Address

501 Ashmun Street, Sault Sainte Marie, MI, 49783

5K Run and 5K Walk Registration Prices 

2024 - $20

January 2025 - $25

February 2025 - $30

March 1 to March 27 - $35 (March 10 Long Sleeve T-Shirt Cutoff)

March 28-29 - $40

Half Marathon Prices:

2024 - $40

January 2025 - $50

February 2025 - $55

March 1 to March 27 - $60 (March 10 T-Shirt Cutoff)

March 28 to March 29 - $65

Long Sleeve T-Shirt Cutoff: March 10, $15.00/Long Sleeve T-Shirt.  If you do not meet the T-Shirt Cutoff, Select Size T-Shirts will be for sale at packet pickup.

Early Packet Pickup: There will be an early packet pickup at Avery Square from 4-7pm on Friday.  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 6:30 - 7:45am at Avery Square inside the main lobby.  Parking is located along the alley parking lot to the west of Avery Square and is free on Saturdays.  There is also on street parking throughout downtown.

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 up to March 10th.  If you miss the cutoff there will be select sizes available for purchase at packet pickup. 

Overall Award for Gender, Masters, and Grand Masters: Unique Freighter Themed Craft from Local Vendor

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 from craft vendors!

Hotels: Please check the following website for a list of lodging options.  We do not currently have a partner hotel for the race.  Adoba Lockview and Hotel Ojibway are hotels that are close to the start.  There are many other hotels within several miles of downtown.  Sault Sainte Marie Hotels and Motels

Aid Stations: There will be at least 4 aid stations with water and Gatorade throughout the half-marathon course.  Specific locations will be updated prior to race day.

Volunteers:  We will need volunteers for set up, packet pickup, road crossings, awards table, and clean up.  Free or discounted entries for current or future races available.  Email yooperrunning@gmail.com