HANCOCK, Mich. (WZMQ) – The annual Canal run took place Saturday morning in Hancock filling the streets with runners and fans.
763 runners of all ages crossed the finish line at this year’s Canal Run. The race, which markets itself as the U.P.’s premier running event brought hundreds of spectators in to support those participating.
“I was not expecting all the people cheering us on,” remarked Adam Morrison, who ran the 5 mile race.
Runners had the chance to participate in 7 different races varying in length and competitiveness. The event includes a half marathon, half marathon wheelchair division, 10 mile run, 10 mile walk, 5 mile run, 5 mile blade division, 5 mile walk and 2 mile run/walk! the route for the race is directly against the Portage Lake Shipping Canal, providing a beautiful backdrop for runners.
“I really enjoyed being able to take in all of the greenery and the look of the lake in the background. It was just really beautiful,” said Sofi Villena, a runner in the 5 mile race.
The scenery wasn’t the only thing beautiful about the day though, cool and breezy 70 degree temperatures created a perfect running environment.
“Without the sun shining so fiercely I think it made for a perfect race finish, we had many participants hanging out for a while, they did not feel like they had to take off right away,” commented April Stevens, a volunteer for the Canal Run.
Each year the Canal Run chooses an organization to benefit. This year the chosen group is 31 Backpacks, a group that is dedicated to ensuring no children in the Copper Country go hungry.
“31 Backpacks is a local organization that packs lunch bags for school children throughout the whole year,” added Stevens.
Last year the race was able to donate $5,000 to the 2022 beneficiary organization and organizers say that they believe this year’s donation will be a similar number. The Canal Run organizers say they are already working on plans for next year’s run.
“If you are interested in participating but not being a runner we are always welcoming more volunteers, to make a successful race we need volunteers,” Stevens said.
For more information on how to volunteer visit www.canal.run.
