Many people get out the door early in the morning. Starting their day with a run. Drivers and runners take responsibility for safety on the roads. MSP First Lieutenant Jason Wickstrom says rivers when coming across runners will want to slow down and should prioritize the safety of pedestrians. He adds that runners can take several precautions to stay visible when running in the dark.
The brighter colors make you more visible to oncoming traffic. And then oncoming traffic needs to be aware people are out running or biking. And that they need to not be distracted. Some people like to wear some type of air pod or headphones while they’re running. If that’s what you like to do, that’s good, but you have to be aware that you won’t be able to hear traffic. So that can be a concern too. – F/Lt. Jason Wickstrom, Michigan State Police, Calumet Post
On Saturday runners will pack on M-203 and trot their way into Hancock during Canal Run. Starting at 8am Michigan state police will patrol the road and limit traffic from US-41 to High Point Road. Wickstrom adds that the Calumet Post will set up a detour for travelers. To get to McLain State Park, drivers should continue on US-41 and turn left onto Lake Annie Road. Continuing straight on Salo Road from Lake Annie Road, travelers will reconnect will M-203 at the Bear Lake Road/Lakeshore Drive intersection.
F/Lt. Wickstrom also suggest for residents living along M-203, if you don’t need to leave your home before 11 am, help cheer on the racers during the road closure. If you do need to leave or drive along the road, please remain patient, as troopers will help assist with moving traffic forward when possible.
Race Director Angela Luskin says, safety has always been our number one concern. This move will make the likeliness of an accident much smaller and should give our participants much more peace of mind as they move along our picturesque race course.
In addition to improving safety by closing a portion of M-203, race organizers will make travel a little easier on participants. All two mile runners and walkers, and those taking part in the five mile distance must arrive to race starts via shuttle.
The last shuttle will take the final group out to five mile start at 7:45 am. The final shuttle for the two mile race will leave at 8:45 am. Additionally last minute bib and race packet collection will take place the shuttle pick up site at The Church of the Resurrection, 900 Quincy Street between 6 and 8:45 am. Participants should plant to arrive to the shuttle pick up site an hour before their race time. If you plan to participate in the 10 mile walk at 7:15 am on Saturday, you should plan to get to the shuttle pick up around 6:15 am.
Racers can pick up their bib and packet on Friday night at the Quincy Green starting at 3pm, and during Key Ingredients from 6 to 8 pm. Oranigzers will also help late registering racers get set up during this time. There is no race day registration. Runners and walkers will need to wear their bib when they cross the finish line to register their time. No bib, no time.
Luskin adds the planning for these major changes improving Canal Run’s commitment to safety could not be possible without support from the Michigan Department of Transportation, City of Hancock, Hancock Township, Michigan State Police and many others.
2025, marking the 50th Canal Run race, looks to be one of the event’s biggest in its history. The Canal Run includes a half marathon race, and running and walking participation in the 10 mile, 5-mile, and 2-mile distances. Keystone events of the Canal Run includes the Bob Olson –10-mile Run and the Keweenaw Co-op Kid’s Dash. Those interested in participating in Canal Run should register online here. Volunteers interested in supporting an event that brings hundreds of people to Hancock each July should check out available positions here.
