Sault International Festival of Races

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.