2026 is here: A year of racing in Sault Ste. Marie on 2 wheels and 2 feet

There is so much to do in the region this year

Setting goals is easy. Choosing something worth training for is harder. In 2026, the city of Sault Ste. Marie is offering a full calendar of endurance events that give structure to a season — and a reason to show up fit, focused, and ready. If you’re looking for some awesome things to do on two wheels, or two feet, you may want to consider a trip to the area that has become just a bit of a destination recently for fun on the trails.

From winter fat biking to late-season ultra racing, the Soo’s terrain and trail systems host events that range from accessible first-timers to true bucket-list challenges. Are you looking for a cool long-distance goal next year? Or maybe looking for a reason to stay active year-round? Either way these races offer a clear target and a memorable place to hit it.

Sean Ruppel, long-time MTB rider, racer and organizer, sums up what has happened in the area. It’s become a veritable mecca for trail aficionados.

“I’ve been riding in the Sault area for almost 40 years, and seeing the explosion of what was a few rogue trails becoming Ontario’s most comprehensive trail network has been very exciting,” he said. “So much so that it has been host to Crank the Shield:SSM since 2018 and with amazing trails, and some of the nicest people and bike shops in Ontario, it is has fast become my favourite place to host events.

Frozen Toe – February 7

Fat Bike Race: All levels

Winter riding doesn’t stop in Sault Ste. Marie — it adapts. Frozen Toe is a mid-winter fat bike race that makes full use of snow-covered trails and cold conditions. You can choose a shorter 10 km option or take on a much tougher 50 km.

If you’re curious about winter racing, it’s a fun option. Or maybe you’re a seasoned winter fattie, then get to it. Either way, it reinforces the idea that the cycling season doesn’t end when it gets cold— you just gotta change tires. (And bike.)

Community Strong Race Weekend – June 20–21

Road & running events: All levels

Hey, it’s not just bike racing you can do in the Soo. If you like to run, there’s some fun stuff as well. The races of the Community Strong Race weekend include a Marathon (and a Boston Marathon qualifier), a half-marathon, a 10km, a kids race and a fun colour run. The course is flat, which is favourable for times, and takes place on the beautiful Sault Ste. Marie waterfront.

The course shows off the Soo’s waterfront and river views but still presents a true test of skill. It’s a weekend that works equally well as a first race or a key milestone in a longer training plan

Salty Marie Trails Fest – July 24–26

Mountain Bike and Trail Running: All levels

Salty Marie has grown into one of Northern Ontario’s most community-driven trail festivals. The weekend includes mountain bike races for all kinds of abilities, alongside trail running events — 10 km, 25 km, and a new 50 km distance for 2026.

Racing is only part of the fun. The festival atmosphere includes post-ride social events, food, and live music, all based at the start/finish area. Registration opens January 15, making it an early-season target for summer trail athletes. Work hard, play hard, basically.

Crank The Shield – August 21–23

Stage MTB Race: Advanced / Endurance

Crank The Shield is built for riders who want, let’s say, sustained difficulty, not just a one-day one-off.

Over three days, riders tackle long distances, technical terrain, and significant elevation across beautiful (but tough!) Canadian Shield landscapes.

The final stage introduces riders to the Hiawatha Highlands trail system — a network that’s quickly gaining attention for its design and challenge. This is a race for experienced riders looking for depth, variety, and legitimate difficulty across multiple days.

Canadian XCM MTB championships – September 5–6

Mountain Bike: Advanced

In 2026, Sault Ste. Marie is hosting the Canadian XCM champs for the first time. The event brings elite-level cross-country marathon racing to Northern Ontario.

For competitive riders, it’s a rare opportunity to race a championship-level event on Shield terrain without leaving the province. Registration details will be released closer to the event.

Soo 200 – September 11–15

Trail Running Ultra: Expert only

The Soo 200 is exactly what it sounds like: a 200-mile trail race across rugged Canadian Shield terrain.

Organized by Sinister Sports, the event is…well, demanding — long distances, technical trails, and minimal margin for error.

This race is not designed to be easy. It’s aimed squarely at experienced ultrarunners looking for a defining challenge, combining remote terrain with sustained physical and mental stress.

A destination city

What sets Sault Ste. Marie apart isn’t a single marquee event — it’s the range. Riders and runners can map out an entire year of objectives, from winter base fitness to late-season endurance peaks, all on terrain that rewards preparation.

There’s also some great stuff to do off the bike. Plenty of restos for lunch, dinners, or bars to unwind with your cycling and running pals. The Ontario town has become an absolute go-to spot for competing or racing in the dirt, so if you’ve never been, make 2026 the year to do so!

By Matt Hansen, Canadian Cycling Magazine