SAULT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF RACES RETURNING IN 2022

Unfortunately, due to the Canadian boarder closure and the months of time it takes to organize the SIFR, we will not be able to have it in 2021. Stay tuned for future updates.

Sault International Festival of Races
SAULT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF RACES

Join up to 500 runners as part of the 10th Annual Sault International Festival of Races.
This Festival of Races provides runners with a unique opportunity to experience the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge like never before and run alongside the St. Marys River, all set against the backdrop of beautiful fall foliage and cool E.U.P. temperatures.

Travel documents are not necessary. Yes, the Bridge Run (6.9 Miles), Half Marathon (12.9 Miles), 40 Mile Bike Race, and 60 Mile Bike Race travel the International Bridge, however, we are NOT entering Canada.
Our route turns around prior to passing through Canada Customs.
Please note that no one is allowed on the Bridge without a race bib. U.S. and Canadian Customs Officials will be on hand.

MORE INFORMATION

RACES (CLICK THE RACE TITLE TO VIEW MAP)

Join us for one of the most unique bike races in the Midwest, the Sault International Festival of Races Bike Race presented by Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic. This 60-mile bike race starts at Lake Superior State University then proceeds to race over and back across the International Bridge. This is the only time you can race across this international border. Riders will continue along the Soo Locks, out through scenic country roads to Pickford Michigan and back finishing in downtown historic Sault Ste. Marie. Each racer will receive a participant’s medal, moisture wicking technical shirt, and a welcome bag.

There will be water stations along the course placed approximately every 1.7 to 2 miles. Aid stations and electrolyte beverages will also be along the course. Absolutely no roller blades, pets, wagons or other wheeled vehicles will be allowed on the course.
The bridge run will start at 7:30 a.m. at LSSU. The bridge run is 6.9 miles and is an out-and-back course which includes the International Bridge and continues on Portage Ave. to Water Street and finishes on Portage Ave. An elevation chart of the International Bridge can be obtained by clicking here.

The 5k will start at 7:45 a.m. at LSSU. Please note the 5k route does not include the International Bridge and is actually 3.1+ miles, slightly longer than a standard 5k.

The half marathon will start at 7:15 a.m. at LSSU. The half-marathon is an out-and-back course which includes the International Bridge and continues along the riverfront in historic Sault Ste. Marie. The course is primarily fast and flat, with the exception of inclines on the International Bridge, and provides many scenic vistas throughout. An elevation chart of the International Bridge can be obtained here.

The International Bridge will close at 6:30AM. The Half-Marathon will start at 7:15AM and the Bridge Run will start at 7:30AM. Runners have until 8:30AM to exit the bridge (roughly 4.4miles). If you are really close to the end of the bridge the Bridge Authority will let you keep running, However, if you are not close to the end of the bridge they will give you a ride to the off-ramp.