2014 Canal Run to be Saturday, July 19

During the 2013 Canal Run, Amy Aldrich of Hancock heads for the finish line to take first overall in the women's half marathon. Aldrich, in the 30-34 age group, finished with a time of 1:32:20 (and a pace of 7:02 min./mile). (Keweenaw Now file photos)

HANCOCK -- The Canal Run, a Keweenaw event since 1975, will take place on Saturday morning, July 19. The event includes a 5-mile run, a 5-mile walk, a 10-mile run, a 10-mile walk and a half marathon run. The Canal Run follows the Portage Lake Shipping Canal along Highway M-203 in Hancock, Michigan. All five events finish in downtown Hancock between FirstMerit Bank and Quincy Green.

Before the races, participants line up for the shuttle bus that takes them from the finish line at FirstMerit Bank to the starting point of each race. The Canal Run follows the Portage Lake Shipping Canal along Highway M-203 in Hancock.

The use of headphones is strongly discouraged this year for the safety of participants. The race course is on a paved road surface. M-203 is not closed to traffic. Runners and walkers must stay on the left side of the road at all times, facing traffic. Parts of Quincy Street in Hancock will be closed for the race as follows:

6:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. -- one lane open
8:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. -- both lanes closed
10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. -- back to one lane open
after 11 a.m. -- return to normal two lanes open

Start Times and Locations:

10-mile walk: 7:15 a.m. at McLain State Park
Half Marathon: 7:30 a.m. at Koskela Road
10-mile run: 8 a.m. at McLain State Park
5-mile walk: 8:55 a.m. at High Point Road
5-mile run: 8:50 a.m. at High Point Road

Canal Kids' Dash

Free for all kids, the Canal Kids' Dash begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, starting near Krist Oil in Hancock and running down the race course 1/4 mile through the finish line chute. This event is not timed, and all participants will receive a a Canal Kid's Dash finisher's medal! There are no age limits. Registration will be in front of Northern Auto. This is a closed course.

Awards Ceremony

2013 Canal Run participants and fans gather on the Quincy Green in Hancock to hear announcements of winners. Last year's race attracted more than 800 participants. Even more are anticipated this year!

The awards ceremony will take place in downtown Hancock, near the finish line, at approximately 10:15 a.m. Overall male and female winners for each race will receive unique, local awards.

The Canal Run is sponsored by FirstMerit Bank, Finlandia University and Portage Health.

Click here for the Race Guide with more details.

Click here for info on registration.