Saginaw – If there’s one thing Saginaw knows how to do, it’s turning the ordinary into the extraordinary—and this year’s 11th Annual Outhouse Races proved it. From handcrafted, ski-mounted restrooms to a community sledding hill buzzing with laughter, this winter tradition brought people together for a day of fun, competition, and creative engineering.
And if you thought this was just a quirky, small-town spectacle—think again. The 11th running was the biggest turnout yet, with three bustling food trucks, a warming tent to thaw out frozen fingers, and even ESPN covering the madness. Saginaw’s beloved event is officially big-time.
What started over a decade ago as a grassroots winter challenge has evolved into a festival, with businesses, families, and thrill-seekers embracing the sheer absurdity of racing outhouses down a snowy track. We don’t just endure winter—we enjoy it.
The Top Finishers
This year’s competition was fierce, with teams dedicating weeks to crafting their outhouses, each built for speed, style, or a little of both. Some teams focused on aerodynamics, while others leaned into creative, eye-catching designs—but in the end, only the fastest would claim victory.
A total of 18 teams gathered at Hoyt Park on Saturday, Feb. 15, ready to test their homemade outhouses on the snow-packed course. Each team consisted of two to five members, with four designated as pushers and one brave racer seated inside the outhouse for the ride. While some teams opted for smaller lineups, event organizers recommend five-person teams to maximize speed and stability.
Among the competitors, five teams were made up of high schoolers. Though teams could be as creative as they wanted with their outhouse designs, to qualify, each entry had to meet specific size requirements and, most importantly, be mounted on skis.
The champions of this year’s race were:
1st Place – Spicer’s “The Spicy Pooper”—because nothing says speed like a little extra motivation.
2nd Place – Saginaw Area Fireworks—proving that even without pyrotechnics, they can still bring the heat.
3rd Place – Tri-Star Trust’s “Sewer Sharks”—because who knew a toilet on skis could be so menacing?
Each of these teams spent weeks designing and constructing their very own ski-mounted outhouses—feats of both engineering and imagination.
The track conditions played a significant role in the races, with fresh snow adding an unpredictable element to each run. Some outhouses glided smoothly, while others struggled to gain momentum. The crowd cheered as racers battled for control, with some finishing strong while others found themselves at the mercy of gravity and slick surfaces.
While the outhouses were the main attraction, a crazy hat competition added an extra layer of fun. And for families with kids, the real highlight was the community sledding hill right next to the races. Laughter echoed across the snow-covered grounds as kids—and more than a few adults—took turns racing down the hill.
“The outhouses are serious business, but over here, it’s every kid for themselves,” one father said while watching his kids race.
ESPN and a Tradition That Keeps Growing
One of the biggest surprises of this year’s event was the presence of ESPN. What started as a small-town winter pastime is now attracting attention from well beyond Michigan.
The Saginaw Outhouse Races were created as a way to bring more winter activity to Hoyt Park. The event is part of “Bringing Back the Ice,” a community initiative that includes an ice skating rink, free skate rentals, and hot cocoa on select Saturdays throughout the winter. By adding outhouse racing to the mix, organizers hoped to turn the cold months into something to celebrate.
If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next winter—you won’t want to be left behind. And if you’re thinking about competing, it’s free. Anyone and everyone is welcome so long as they follow the rules and bring a good attitude.
Just remember: The key to victory might just be in cutting weight, waxing your skis… and maybe watching your fiber.
Landen Taylor is a musician and explorer living in Bay City. Follow him on Instagram @landoisliving.
