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Michigan > Sault Area Chamber Chase Marathon, Half Marathon, Bridge Run & 5K
Sault Ste. Marie, MI • Saturday, September 28, 2013 • Course Map
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A run across the International Bridge that stretches between the United States and Canada here along the coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with views of the ships passing through the locks here in the world's busiest canal, awaits runners who make the trek up to one of the country's northernmost corners at the Sault Area Chamber Chase races.
Called fast and flat for the most part -- with the exception of the climb that takes runners up and over the bridge -- the race follows a point-to-point route that starts in the U.S., from the James Norris Physical Education Center on the campus of Lake Superior State University. From there, runners then head west along Easterday Avenue and then north onto the International Bridge, which also serves as the northern terminus of U.S. Interstate 75 (which stretches south all the way to Miami, Fla.).
Runners follow the bridge as it takes them north into Canada -- the northbound lane in which runners make their way across the bridge will be closed to traffic -- for just over a mile until they reach the turnaround point.
During this stretch, some of the course's most scenic views are on display, as runners can see the ships passing through the American Soo Locks on the St. Mary's River from the vantage point of the bridge from a totally different perspective than from the shore, which itself is a popular spot for tourists to come and watch the ships.
The major hills along the course occur with the stretch across the bridge; once runners make it over to Canada and back across the bridge, they've completed the only really hilly stretch of the race. The route then heads back south toward Easterday Avenue, where runners turn right and then make another right onto Portage Avenue, which they follow north as it winds under the bridge and continues heading north in the direction of the locks.
Once the course reaches the riverbanks, runners then follow Portage as the road curves around to the right and starts a long, straightaway stretch that will unfold southeast through the city, all the way along the banks of the St. Mary's River.
Runners in the half marathon reach the turnaround point at the mile 10 marker; those running the full marathon will continue on south along Portage Avenue, while those running the half will then make the turn and head back northwest along Portage, back along the river to the finish line just before the intersection of Portage and Ashmun Street.
Race Weather & Climate
Located along the northeastern coast of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, along the Canadian border and just across the river from its namesake sister city in Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie typically sees September temperatures that average between 45°F and 65°F.
On the day of the race (Sept. 28), the average low is 41°F and the average high is 60°F, while rainfall totals average just over 3.7 inches for the month, making September the city's wettest month of the year.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Sault Area Chamber Chase Half Marathon
Starting Time
7:15 AM - half marathon, full marathon
7:30 AM - 6.6-mile Bridge Run
7:45 AM - 5K
Fees
$60 for the half marathon, if registered by August 24, 2013
$70 after Aug. 24
Registration
To reserve your spot in any of the races at the early fall 2013 running of Sault Ste. Marie's Sault Area Chamber Chase, register online at Active.com.
Official Race Website
www.saultstemarie.org
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Ever run in Michigan's annual Sault Area Chamber Chase Marathon or Half Marathon?
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