SAULT STE. MARIE — Both Saults will be off to the races this week as the Sault International Festival of Races makes its grand return.
The festival has been on hiatus for several years after the pandemic, but is now set to bring a weekend of racing to both sides of the border. Race coordinators Dani and Tony Filipek at Yooper Running Company are behind the event’s revival.
“Nobody’s been able to find the energy or passion to bring it back since things have normalized,” said Tony Filipek. “Borders are open now and we can cross freely. We’d love to bring this thing back, we participated in it in 2018 ourselves.”
The festival is three days long and includes several races, including a five-mile bridge run, a half marathon and a 5K.
Prior to COVID-19, the Festival of Races had been a popular tradition for around 10 years. Organizers said they expect this year to bring in around 1,000 participants.
“It’s probably the largest race in the history of the Sault and it will probably be the largest event in the Sault in recent history,” said Tony.
In addition to the Sault Convention and Visitors Bureau, Yooper Running Company is also teaming up with several local organizations to promote the festival and host other events throughout the weekend. Various businesses will be giving discounts to runners, including Sugar Daddy’s Bakery, Soo Brewing and others. Winners will also receive prizes donated from local businesses, such as Alpine Chocolate Haus, Yooper Pasty Company and more.
“It’s nice that people can come to the area and stay for a few days and see what Sault Ste. Marie is about,” said Tony. “There’s so many different events going on throughout the weekend that everybody is going to have things to do.”
People can also expect fun festival activities like face painting at Bird’s Eye Outfitters.
“We really have tried to include every local business in this venture to make sure that this is the town’s race, we’re just honored to put it on,” said Dani Filipek.
During the bridge run, a lactation station will be set up at the Cisler Center for mothers participating in the race.
“We have a space for young children if you have to change your baby,” said Dani. “I’m a mother of three, so I understand what it’s like when you need that kind of space during a run.”
There are also virtual options for all three races for people who can’t make it in person but still want to take part.
The weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 26 with events at Phat Boutique, Bird’s Eye Outfitters and a packet pickup at the LSSU’s Cisler Center. The first running event, the five-mile run across the International Bridge, begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault International Festival of Races makes a grand return with weekend of running
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
