Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run

Known as the Mighty Mac, the Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere and the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. Imagine for a moment - the sounds of seagulls flying above, ferry boat horns and waves crashing on the shoreline below, views of Mackinac Island and vast Great Lakes Vistas alongside you, the sun rising and washing the sky with glorious shades of orange...this is the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run, and it is the only running event on the Mackinac Bridge.

This non-competitive run is organized by Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports with support from the Mackinac Bridge Authority and Michigan Department of Transportation. It is the only running event on the Mackinac Bridge. 

• Registration includes a technical tee shirt, finisher medal and a race bib.
  
• The course is approximately 4.3 miles and not certified for distance.
• All participants are expected to finish the entire 4.3 miles by 8:00 am.
• All runners must be able to pace a 15-minute mile or less to participate.
• The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run takes place before the Labor Day Bridge Walk and is limited to 700 participants. 
• This is not a walk or a run/walk, this is a running event only. If you are looking for information about the Labor Day Bridge Walk, visit https://www.mackinacbridge.org/events/walk/mackinacbridge.org. 

To register and participate in this event you must provide proof that you can pace a 15-minute mile or less. To do this, enter a URL to recent race results or a screen shot from recent race results or from a running app to show your ability to meet the qualifications for this event. Questions? Email us at events@michiganfitness.org.

Finisher's medals are handed out to participants at the Finish Line until 8:00 a.m. Those who do not finish the race during the allotted time will not receive a finishers medal.

Runners may also receive a certificate from Bridge Authority personnel to commemorate the Labor Day Bridge Walk when crossing the finish line. For Labor Day Bridge Walk details, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority website.

Straits of Mackinac

Book your hotel rooms as early as possible to get the best pricing.

Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City is located at the very top of Michigan's lower peninsula, at the southern side of the Mackinac Bridge. Known as the Gateway to the Upper Peninsula, it is one of the top-of-the-list places to see in Michigan. Experience Colonial Michilimackinac, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. Also, Mackinaw City serves two passenger boat lines to historic Mackinac Island. Mackinaw City offers shopping, a waterpark, unique attractions, vacation packages and over 50 hotels and resorts. > More

St. Ignace
On the north side of the Mackinac Bridge is St. Ignace, a town drenched with history and beauty, offering sites and scenes that are exciting and educational. Also, St. Ignace serves two passenger boat lines to Mackinac Island. Enjoy traditional UP cuisine, Downtown Social District, Father Marquette National Museum, Museum of Ojibwa Culture at Old Mission, Castle Rock, Mystery Spot, Deer Ranch, Kewadin Casino, and outdoor activities. > More

Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has been named one of the top ten island in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, TripAdvisor and USA Today. For centuries, visitors have found this National Historic Landmark and car-free Island to be the ideal vacation spot. Just horses and horse drawn carriages, bikes galore, gorgeous hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts, shops, world class dining, history at every turn, and the glory of Mackinac Island State Park.

NOTE: There are no early morning ferries off the Island the day of the run. We do not recommend staying on the night prior, as you will miss the run. However, we do recommend visiting Mackinac Island. It is fantastic. 
> More

For information about the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk that starts after the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority website.

The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 6:30 a.m. until Noon on Labor Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I really need to show that I can pace a 15 minute mile or less to participate in this event?

A: Yes.

Q: Is this event the Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk?

• No. This is a running event that takes place prior to the walk. For information about the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk that starts after the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run (and to learn when the bridge will be closed to traffic), visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority website.

Q: When and where is packet pick up?

• When: Sunday from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and Monday from 4:15 a.m.-5:30 a.m.
• Where: Mackinaw City Recreation Center 507 W. Central Avenue. Mackinaw City, MI 49701 | Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/Wnwf2NfpXyhcu2zW8 

Q: Can I exchange my t-shirt for a different size?

• Yes, while supplies last. We generally print a handful of shirts in each size over the master order. Swapping the shirt ordered for a different size is on a first come first served basis during packet pick up.
  TIP: If you are wearing layered clothing, just order a size up so that you can wear the shirt comfortably over another shirt. Remember, you must wear your shirt to be admitted to the staging area and to run on the bridge.
  
  
• NOTE: Women's tees have a close fit, if you prefer a looser fit, order up a size.
• TIP: If you are wearing layered clothing, just order a size up so that you can wear the shirt comfortably over another shirt. Remember, you must wear your shirt to be admitted to the staging area and as a way to be identified as a runner in our event on the bridge.

Q: Do I have to wear my Bridge Run Shirt and Bib for the run?

• YES! YOU MUST WEAR THE OFFICIAL SHIRT AND BIB to enter the runners corral and to participate in the run. You will not be permitted entry into the start line staging area without it and will not be permitted on the bridge without both.
  
  
• Why? This helps us, the Mackinac Bridge Authority, Michigan State Police and Homeland Security distinguish you from the walkers, identify you as a participate in the event, and ensure you receive your finisher’s medal.

Q: Do you provide shuttle service to the starting line?

• No, we do not provide shuttle bus service to the start line. All runners must make their own arrangements to get to the start line.
  
  Northern Transport & Shuttle is the official shuttle service for the event. They charge $20 per person and operate on a first come, first served basis from the Mackinaw City Recreation Center only. More information about their service and additional resources and recommendations are posted on the Transportation page. 

Q: Will there be emergency personnel available during the run and restrooms at both the start and finish line?

• Yes, and yes. Michigan State Police and other official personnel will be available in the event of an emergency. Portable toilets will be located in the runners corral near the starting line area in St. Ignace and past the finish line area in Mackinaw City.

Q: Will there be a water station and restrooms available on the Mackinac Bridge?

• No. However, we do provide bottled water and lite snacks at the finish line.

Q: Can my family and friends cheer me on at the finish line?

• Yes, however, they are not permitted on the bridge deck. Most friends and family stage across from Audies near the chain link fence adjacent to the finish line markers, which are easily visible. 

Q: My friends/family are going to participate in the Bridge Walk and I’d like to walk with them after I finish the run. How should I do this?

• Because the run ends in Mackinaw City, we recommend that you meet near the bridge walk staging area and line. Either join them in line, or select a location to meet, such as Audie’s Restaurant, then get in line and walk the bridge.

Q: Can we run with a sign or banner? 

• No. Prohibited items include signs, banners, umbrellas, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, wagons, and similar types of devices. 

Q: Can we run with our dog?

• With the sole exception of working service dogs, no other animals including emotional support animals are allowed in the event. Working service dogs are required to wear a vest or other ID that indicates they're a service dog.

Q: Can I wear a bag/backpack during the event?

• No, though, you may wear a small fanny pack to hold your phone and car keys.

Q: Will there be gear check bag available?

• Yes. We will have gear check bags available at packet pick up that you may use to put your belongings in during the race. Ensure you label the bag with your name and your phone number and put them in the Pick Up Truck at the starting line in St. Ignace by 6:10am. They will be taken to the finish line for you to pick up when you finish the race.
• Any items left after 8:15am will be brought downstate after the event. Contact events@michiganfitness.org to claim your bag, arrange for shipping. Any bags left unclaimed will be donated to charity.
• NOTE: Do not leave valuables, i.e. cell phone, cash, or car keys in your gear check bag.
• We do not provide security for the bags.

Q: Where do I pick up my gear check bag when the run is over?

• By the snack station on the bridge, just past the finish line where we will have water, snacks, etc. Any bags leftover will be brought back to Michigan Fitness Foundation in East Lansing. You may stop by our office to pick up your items, or we can ship them to you for a fee. If you determine you do not need your items, let us know and we can donate your items to Goodwill.

Q: I am concerned about my pace-what if I can’t run fast enough/need to stop and walk?

• While we would love to accommodate runners of all paces, we cannot. You must be able run a 15-minute pace or less per mile to participate in this event.
• Why? There will be upwards of 30,000 people walking behind you in the Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk, which immediately follows our race and they do not permit running. This means our runners must be far ahead of the walkers in order to comply with the rules. Should you fall behind the 15-minute pace you may be instructed by race management, the Michigan State Police, Homeland Security, Mackinac Bridge Authority staff and/or other officials to immediately stop running and join the walkers.

Q: Will there be race photos?

• Yes. Our official race photographer is Marty Rickard. He will be stationed on the Mackinac Bridge just past the south tower. He does his best to capture all runners, but it is not always possible. We post the images about a week or so after the event on Facebook and here on RunSignUp. Be sure to like and follow our Facebook Page,as we typically post images there first.
  
  NOTE: We do not provide images of the actual finish line as the moments we like to capture are of runners running on the bridge. The finish line is on the highway ramp to the bridge and is not as picturesque.

Q: If I decide to cancel my registration, can I get a full refund?

• You will be notified during the registration process that you can refund your registration within 15 minutes of submitting payment. After that all sales are final and there are no refunds.

The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run was started by former Governor Jennifer Granholm who was an avid runner. In 2003, she chose to run across the bridge to honor and celebrate everyone that had a part in constructing the Mackinac Bridge and the hardworking people in Michigan’s labor community. She also liked the healthy competition between past governors regarding the time it took to walk the Mackinac Bridge. She was motivated to beat former Governor William Milliken’s walking record set at 47 minutes, who himself had beat former Governor George Romney’s record of 53 minutes. Granholm made the crossing in 43 minutes but because she started prior to the official 7:00 a.m. start, she logged in at 47 minutes, tying Milliken’s record. However, that didn’t slow her down, by the end of her term, she had beat his record and shattered her own by clocking in at 35 minutes, 27 seconds. Today, Granholm is the G.O.A.T., as no other Michigan governor has beat her record to date.

In 2004, the run became an official event and Michigan Fitness Foundation was tasked with the planning and management of the “fun jog.” On Labor Day, about 300 Michiganders added to bridge history by being the first group to officially run across the Mighty Mac. Today, the fun run is capped at 700 participants.

“We have been honored to host the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run to promote health and physical activity for the past 20 years and look forward to continuing this signature event,” said Michigan Fitness Foundation CEO & President Amy Ghannam. “Like the Labor Day Bridge Walk, the Bridge Run has become a family tradition and a way to celebrate the valued role of Michigan’s labor community.”

Michigan Fitness Foundation organizes and coordinates the bridge run each year. 

Image Credit: Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm breaking her own Bridge Run record in 2008. Image by John L. Russell / AP. Courtesy of Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Shop for official event merchandise store where you'll find everything from camp mugs, hoodies, hats, neck gaiters, and socks to weekender bags, camp mugs, pint glasses, journals, puzzles, arctic fleece throws, and more.

We use the Printify platform to ensure we have a vast network of providers along with competitive product & shipping prices, as well as speedy deliveries across the globe.

Tap this link to shop the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run Store.

Packet Pick Up

All packet pick up will take place at the Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Sunday the day prior to race day and from 4:15 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. on Monday the morning of the race. If you cannot make it to packet pick up, you may have a friend or family member pick up your packet for you.

We do not ship out materials before the run and we do not offer pick up at the starting line. 

All runners must wear their official race shirt and bib to enter the runners corral. No exceptions.

Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center
507 West Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701
(231) 436-5351 
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/WpUQtxWy8cmaF2W38  

The Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center is located on the corner of Central Ave and S. Askins Street.

Press Inquiries 

For media requests, images, and other Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run information, email events@michiganfitness.org. 

About

High above the Straits of Mackinac with views of the bridge towers over blue-green waters where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge, the vista is stunning. With Mackinac Island to the left and vast Great Lakes vistas to the right are revealed as the sun rises, washing the sky with glorious shades of orange. Runners can expect to be serenaded by the sounds of seagulls, ferry boat horns and waves crashing on the shoreline. This run is an engaging experience that delights the senses.

Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run provides the only opportunity to run on the Mackinac Bridge. A staple of Labor Day weekend festivities, this 4.3 mile running event is touted by past participants as an unforgettable, bucket-list experience. For the running enthusiast and adventure seeker, there is no other experience like running on the world’s fifth longest suspension bridge at sunrise high above the blue-green waters of the Straits of Mackinac. The event registration is capped at 700 participants. 

Runners must be able to complete each mile in a 15-minute pace or less. Persons that experience acrophobia (fear of heights) should not participate. This is not a timed event and the course is not certified for distance.

The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run was started by former Governor Jennifer Granholm who was an avid runner. In 2003, she chose to run across the bridge to honor and celebrate everyone that had a part in constructing the Mackinac Bridge and the hardworking people in Michigan’s labor community. She also liked the healthy competition between past governors regarding the time it took to walk the Mackinac Bridge. She was motivated to beat former Governor William Milliken’s walking record set at 47 minutes, who himself had beat former Governor George Romney’s record of 53 minutes. Granholm made the crossing in 43 minutes but because she started prior to the official 7:00 a.m. start, she logged in at 47 minutes, tying Milliken’s record. However, that didn’t slow her down, by the end of her term, she had beat his record and shattered her own by clocking in at 35 minutes, 27 seconds. Today, Granholm is the G.O.A.T., as no other Michigan governor has beat her record to date.

In 2004, the run became an official event and Michigan Fitness Foundation was tasked with the planning and management of the “fun jog.” On Labor Day, about 300 Michiganders added to bridge history by being the first group to officially run across the Mighty Mac. Today, the fun run is capped at 700 participants.

“We have been honored to host the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run to promote health and physical activity for the past 20 years and look forward to continuing this signature event,” said Michigan Fitness Foundation CEO & President Amy Ghannam. “Like the Labor Day Bridge Walk, the Bridge Run has become a family tradition and a way to celebrate the valued role of Michigan’s labor community.”

The region around the Mackinac Bridge is a premiere tourist destination hosting over one million visitors each year. It is known as a gathering place and features natural wonders, Great Lakes History with historic attractions like Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac and Colonial Michilimackinac. There are lighthouses, museums, great shopping, nightly entertainment, and a variety of vacation packages with places to stay from rustic cabins to modern hotels.

For more information visit https://runsignup.com/bridgerun. 

Race Shirts

All runners must wear their official race shirt and bib to enter the runners corral and during the running event.

There are no exceptions as this is our way to identify you as one of our runners to event staff, Mackinac Bridge Authority Personnel, Michigan State Police Officers, and Homeland Security Personnel.

The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run official race shirts are tech tees made by Sport-Tek. Sizes are on par with similar tee shirt sizes from brands like Gap and Old Navy. Race shirts are lightweight, roomy, highly breathable, and moisture-wicking. They are available for men and women in sizes S-2XL. If you prefer a loose fit, size up. Tap the link to view the manufactures sizing charts for women's shirts or men's shirts.

Note: Shirt sizes are guaranteed for runners registered by midnight, July 21, 2025. We do order additional quantities of each size and will do our best to accommodate, however, sizes are not guaranteed after July 21.

Note: Race shirts are for runners registered for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run only. For additional official event merchandise, visit our Labor Day Bridge Run Pop Up Store.

STARTING LINE

TIP: Go to bed early on Sunday. Arrive to the starting line early. Traffic is complicated. Give yourself plenty of time.

Bridge View Park - Southbound I-75 St. Ignace

• The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run starts from Bridge View Park on the north side of the Mackinac Bridge in St. Ignace. Bridge View Park is located on the west side of I-75 adjacent to the tollboths on the southbound side of I-75. Refer to the Maps below for a variety of directions.
• The Bride View Park runners corral is fenced off and there will be Bridge Authority staff to help guide you to the entrance to the runners corral 
• You must arrive to the Bridge Run Park runners corral no later than 6:20 a.m. to take part in the event.
• The Mackinac Bridge Authority asked us to share that you should not have anyone drop you off on I-75 as this is an active freeway. They have also indicated you should not cross I-75 on foot either. You must be dropped off in Bridge View Park.

Entering the Runners Corral

• You must have/wear your official Bridge Run t-shirt and bib to enter the runners corral, no exceptions. There is no packet pick up at the starting line, it is vital that you (or someone you know) pick up your shirt/bib/etc., the day prior or morning of the event.at the Mackinaw City Recreation Center, 507 West Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701

Getting to the Runners Corral

• We do not provide shuttle service to runners corral starting line
• Northern Transport provides shuttle service ($20 per person) from the Mackinaw City Rec Center. See below.
• Do not rely on hotel shuttle services. Hotel Shuttles are for the Bridge Walk and will not prioritize getting you to the starting line for the run on time. 
• Do not rely on Mackinac Island ferry boats. There are no ferry lines that will bring you to the starting line. There are no early ferries or planes coming off Mackinac Island that will get you to the run on time. Do not stay on Mackinac Island the night prior to the run, unless you have your own boat and advanced Mac City or St. Ignace marina reservations.

Transportation Options from Mackinaw City Rec Center to the Start Line

Northern Transport & Shuttle offers shuttle service for a fee from the Mackinaw City Recreation Center (same place as packet pick up) only. Reservations are not required. It is first come first served and they will operate continually from 5:00 a.m. until 6:10 a.m. The cost is $20 per person and they accept cash only. Tipping is encouraged.

Uber & Lyft
Uber and Lyft provide service in the Mackinaw City area. It will be vital to book ahead as they sell out. You must inform your driver that you need to be the starting line near the Mackinac Bridge Toll Booth on the St. Ignace side of the bridge no later than 6:00 a.m.

Drop off by family and friends
You can be dropped off at Bridge View Park on the west side of I-75 in St. Ignace, then walk to the starting line by entering the runners corral with your bridge run shirt on or on your person. You must wear and/or show your bridge run shirt to enter the runners corral.

Mackinaw City Parking

All runners are welcome to park at the Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center. We recommend having someone drop you off on the St. Ignace side of the Mackinac Bridge, then have your driver head back and park at the Rec Center for easy post run meet up.

Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center
507 West Central Avenue, Mackinaw City, Michigan 49701
(231) 436-5351 
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/WpUQtxWy8cmaF2W38 

Note: This is not the Mackinaw City Recreation Complex, if you have arrived there, leave the complex and turn right to go east on Central Ave. Then turn right one block later on S. Askins Street to enter the parking lot for the Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center.

St. Ignace Start Line & Parking

If driving from the north to St. Ignace, parking is available on a first come, first served basis. Please note, due to the Labor Day Bridge Walk that follows the run, the parking lots fill up early.

Mackinac City Post Race Transportation

We do not provide post event transportation. For runners parked at the Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center, it is an easy walk from the finish line, about 7-ish city blocks, (approximately .7 miles) which takes about 15 minutes. 

Walking Directions: Finish Line to the Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center: https://goo.gl/maps/5DDgrUCZSiNkVxAW6

St. Ignace Post Race Transportation

There is no public transportation from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace after the run (or walk). Runners will have to make their own arrangements to get back to St. Ignace. The Mackinac Bridge will reopen to vehicle traffic at noon. 

Runners may use the Mackinac Island ferry lines to return to St. Ignace. For schedules, check Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry or Star Line Ferry. Consider spending the day on Mackinac Island. It is a National Historic Landmark and a beautiful place to visit.

NOTE: This registration is for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run, not the Labor Day Bridge Walk. For Bridge Walk details, visit https://mackinacbridge.org/events/walk.

Map to the Runners Corral

Bridge View Park
W69 Boulevard Dr, 
St Ignace, MI 49781
Map

Directions from Mackinaw City Recreation Center

Route to Bridge View Park from the Lower Peninsula

Route to Bridge View Park from the Upper Peninsula

Route to Bridge View Park from westbound U.S. 2

Route to Bridge View Park from eastbound U.S. 2