Events
5 Mile Bridge Run
495 spots left. Price increases after December 31, 2025 at 11:59pm EST
Half Marathon
230 spots left. Price increases after December 31, 2025 at 11:59pm EST
Virtual 5 Mile Bridge Run
495 spots left. Registration ends September 25, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Virtual Half Marathon
230 spots left. Registration ends September 26, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Virtual 5K Run
230 spots left. Registration ends September 26, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Virtual 5K Walk
230 spots left. Registration ends September 26, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT
Event Description
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.
Registration Prices (T-Shirts Prices of $20 are Additional/Optional for your convenience through August 31)
5 Mile Bridge Run (Day 1)
2025: $25
January-June: $30
July-August: $35
September: $40
Race Day: $50
Half Marathon (Day 2), DOES NOT CROSS INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE
2025: $35
January-June: $40
July-August: $45
September: $50
Race Day: $60
5K Run and 5K Walk (Day 2), DOES NOT CROSS INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE
2025: $20
January-June: $25
July-August: $30
September: $35
Race Day: $40
*Virtual Option: Receive a medal within 2 weeks after race day and t-shirt if purchased by t-shirt cutoff. $30 + $20 (t-shirt option through August 31). Input results starting race day on Sept. 26 and 27.
Packet Pickup Times/Locations
Early Packet Pickup for All Races (Day 1 and Day 2) on Friday, September 25th, from 3-7pm at the LSSU Arts Center Main Lobby (1125 Circle Drive). Additional shirts for sale for $20 CASH EXACT CHANGE or Venmo.
Day 1 Race Day Packet Pickup will take place at the LSSU Arts Center Main Lobby (1125 Circle Drive) from 6:30am-7:45am. You can only pick up for the Bridge Run during this time. No Day 2 pickups will be allowed during Day 1 Race Day.
Day 2 Race Day Packet Pickup will take place at Bird's Eye Outfiitters (107 E Portage Ave) near the race start/finish area from 6:30-7:45am.
Long Sleeve T-Shirts
Day 1 (5 Mile Bridge Run): Long Sleeve. Unisex Sizes. Design TBD. International Bridge Themed. $20 option with registration through August. Select sizes for sale for $20 CASH EXACT CHANGE or Venmo at packet pickup and race day.
Day 2 (Half-Marathon, 5K Run, 5K Walk): Long Sleeve. Unisex Sizes. Design TBD. Yooper Running Company Themed. $20 option with registration through August. Select sizes for sale for $20 CASH EXACT CHANGE or Venmo at packet pickup and race day.
Overall Awards and Age Group Awards and Medals
Unique Medals with sublimated lanyards will be given out to all participants upon finishing their respective races on day 1 and day 2. There will be a different medal on each day (Day 1 International Bridge Themed, Day 2 Yooper Running Company Themed).
Awards will be for the 5 Mile Bridge Run, Half-Marathon, 5K Run, and 5K Walk Divisions.
There will be a specific pickup awards table following the races for the following categories with no formal award ceremony:
1st Place Overall Gender (Male and Female), Master (40-59 Male and Female), and Grand Master (60+ Male and Female)
Top 3 in Age Group for Day 1 and Day 2: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ (Age Groups may be expanded to include additional age groups if race sells out in advance.)
No double dipping for overall/age group winners. If you are an overall gender/master/grandmaster winner you are excluded from age group rankings.
Parking
There will be free parking in the Norris Center Parking Lots A & B on the campus of LSSU for Day 1 (see map on the bottom of the page). You will need to cross the street (Easterday) after parking to get to the race start/finish area. There will be additional lots on campus that may be open near the LSSU Art Center. Parking information will be updated closer to the race date.
There is off street parking downtown for Day 2 along with specific lots near Market Square that will be available. Spaces are limited so arrive early. There is an overflow lot 1/2 mile from the start at the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tour. Give yourself extra time and plan accordingly.
Aid Stations and Post Race Refreshments
Day 1: The 5 Mile Bridge Run will have 1 aid station at the halfway (turnaround) point near the Canadian customs area.
Day 2: There will be 3 x double aid stations on both sides of the road for the half marathon as evenly spaced as possible (1.55/11.65), (3/10.1), and (5/8.1). Each aid station will have water and gatorade available. The 5K will have 1 aid station at the half way (turnaround) point.
Post race refreshments will include water, gatorade, fruit, fruit snacks, granola bars, chips, cookies, and additional items. They will be located near the finish line for each race.
Results
Hotels
Here is a link with a list of hotels in the Sault Sainte Marie area. Hotels are on a first come, first serve basis. There are currently no specific hotel blocks for this race. Hotels
Refund Policy
We do not offer refunds. Race insurance is offered for purchase when entering.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Deferrals: Runners who are pregnant, postpartum, or have experienced pregnancy loss can email yoooperrunning@gmail.com. They won't be charged to enter next year's race or choose to run another YRC event.
Inclement Weather Policy
Day 1: The International Bridge Authority has full responsibility to inform the race director of any delays or cancelations due to inclement weather. As soon as information becomes available to the race director this will be emailed to all participants. In case of a cancelation there will be NO REFUNDS issued We apologize for any inconvenience, but payments for supplies/permits/insurances occur well in advance of race day. Items may be shipped out for an additional shipping fee of $10. A discount for the following year's races will be emailed to all racers. Deferals due to inclement weather will not be possible.
Day 2: As soon as information becomes available to the race director this will be emailed to all participants. The race may be delayed for up to an hour before cancelation. In case of a cancelation there will be NO REFUNDS issued We apologize for any inconvenience, but payments for supplies/permits/insurances occur well in advance of race day. Items may be shipped out for an additional shipping fee of $10. A discount for the following year's races will be emailed to all racers. Deferals due to inclement weather will not be possible.
Donations
100% of Donations as well as a portion of the registration fees will go to LSSU and LSSU Athletic Programs that volunteer for the races. These races could not happen without their team work, support, and facilities. Go Lakers!
Common Questions
Q: Is there a walk division for the 5 mile bridge run?
A: We are not doing a walk division for the 5 mile bridge run in order to ensure the bridge can open back up before 9:45am. We recommend a 15 minute mile or faster or run/walk combo.
Q: Does the half-marathon and 5k races cross the International Bridge?
A: No they do not. The only race that crosses the International Bridge is the 5 Mile Bridge Run on Day 1 (Sept. 26).
Q: Is a passport/ID required to participate in the 5 Mile Bridge Run?
A: An ID is not required as you do not pass through customs. Carrying an ID in case of a medical emergency is recommended.
Q: Is there a cutoff time for the half marathon on day 2?
A: The cutoff time for the half marathon is 3:30:00.00 or around 16 minute pace per mile. Please do not walk the entire half marathon.
Q: Are strollers allowed for pushing children while running?
A: Yes they are. Make sure to put yourself in an appropriate spot for starting based on your stroller running pace.
Contact Form
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Event Location
650 W. Easterday
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783 US
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