Canal Run 2026 - Registration Options
New Date: July 17, 2027
Thank you for your patience as we navigate these unchartered waters of having to cancel the Canal Run on race morning.
We have two options to choose from for your 2026 registration:
- Donate your registration to the Canal Run. The Canal Run is a non-profit and has already expensed over $30,000 that can't be recouped for the 2026 race - insurance, permits, shirts, tents, timing chips, etc.
- Defer your registration to 2027
Note - we have a no refund policy in place and there are no exceptions to this policy.
If you did not receive a 2026 race shirt or a Half Marathon finishing medal, but would like to, please stop by the Portage Fitness Center at 921 W. Sharon Ave. in Houghton to pick them up. This is a first come first serve bases.
We understand there is frustration in the timeliness of the decision to cancel. As of Friday and even Saturday morning, the air quality index (AQI) models were favorable and met the objective measures we had adopted earlier this year. However, the AQI started climbing again prior to the race starts and we determined we could not safely hold the race. We worked as quickly as possible to communicate the decision, but we know we missed some individuals and we apologize for that.
Here Are Your Options:
Air Quality Update
Our Emergency Alert System is now Yellow due to potentially moderately dangerous conditions on race day. Air quality conditions are expected to improve significantly by Saturday morning. Anyone who wants to defer their registration to 2027 is invited to do that by simply emailing hello@canal.run. Last-minute registration and packet pick-up has been moved to Hancock Community Hub.
Read the full statement and reasoning on our Race Guide (linked below).
Race GuideThe U.P.'s Premier Running Event
The event includes a half marathon, 10 mile run, 10 mile walk, 5 mile run, 5 mile walk, 2 mile run/walk and adaptive categories for each distance! Our event features a beautiful course along the Portage Canal, early registration and team discounts, participants receive an awesome Canal Run t-shirt, free high quality photo downloads after the race and custom awards for top finishers! Our event is family friendly and the highlight of many people's summer!
Learn MoreHelp Out!
It takes more than 100 volunteers to make this amazing event happen every year. This year, we'd love to see YOU join us in making this a memorable weekend for our participants!
VolunteerSupport Us!
The Canal Run’s legacy is decades long, but that doesn’t mean it comes easy. We’d love to have your financial support this year! We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
DonateRegister for Your Race
Kids Dash
Canal Run Gives Back
The Canal Run is proud to announce proceeds from the 2026 Canal Run will go to Hancock Trails Club through the Canal Run Gives Back program. This program has put $36,500 into nonprofits that serve Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw or Ontonagon counties since 2011.
Hancock Trails Club maintains the Maasto Hiihto and Churning Rapids trails for non-motorized recreation, in coordination with private and municipal landowners. The majority of the trails are located on private property. Recreational access is at the permission of landowners. Winter trails are groomed for classic skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. Summer trails are maintained for mountain biking, hiking, and running.
Visit Hancock Trails Club Website