In its fiftieth year, the Canal Run broke past a long-time goal of the organizing committee. This Saturday, more than 1100 racers participated in the 50th Canal Run presented by UPHS Portage. At the half-marathon start on Koskela Road, nearly 200 people started the race.
One of our number one goals of the Canal Run is to hold a safe race, you know, for our participants and our volunteers. And closing M203 allowed us to do that. And I think that helped with our increased numbers as well. People felt it was safer. So they continued to sign up and, you know, we’ll continue to reevaluate year after year. – Angela Luskin, Race Director, Canal Run
Luskin says the excitement the Canal Run brings to Hancock brings with it an inviting community.
We have all different races for all abilities. We have the best volunteers, I think, out of any race. We’re an extremely organized race as well, so we hear that time and time again from the racers. You know, and great community support. Lots and lots of good reasons why we have been so successful. – Angela Luskin, Race Director, Canal Run
The race includes a kids race, though some might join their parents, and even grandparents, at the 5-mile start. Some racers break personal records on Saturday morning. At the same time, others set Canal Run records.
Clayton Sayen from Houghton, Michigan, broke the Bob Olson 10-mile run. And then we had Ingrid Seagren, also from the local area. She has a course record now for the five-mile run. So some super fast times, really exciting to see. – Angela Luskin, Race Director, Canal Run
Canal Run organizers successfully worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation to shut down M-203 from High Point Road into Hancock. And worked with Michigan state police to successfully get racers across the finish line safely. Thank you to the numerous sponsors of the Canal Run. Volunteers help create a wonderful and exciting atmosphere in the city. Joined by spectators throughout the course and at the Finish line at Quincy Green.
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