Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run

Frequently Asked Questions

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 3:00 p.m.-6:00 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?

• Possibly, we generally print just a few shirts over the master order. This means, we have a limited number of shirts available for exchange. 
• 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 are a close fit, if you prefer a looser fit, order up a size.

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

• Yes, as stated above, YOU MUST WEAR THE OFFICIAL SHIRT, no exceptions. You will not be permitted entry into the start line staging area without it and will not be permitted on the bridge without it. This will help us, the Mackinac Bridge Authority, Michigan State Police and Homeland Security distinguish you from the walkers 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. 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.

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

• The finish line is not accessible, but they can cheer you on from outside the Bridge Deck at the fenced area near Knight's Inn and Audie's Restaurant.

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?

• We recommend that you meet family/friends on the Mackinaw City side of the Bridge just past the finish line. There is a 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.
• We do not recommend meeting your family/friends in St. Ignace, as you would have to get back in line to walk across the bridge, then walk back across to Mackinaw City.

Q: Am I allowed to run with a stroller? A bag/backpack?

• Yes to the stroller, however it is very windy, ensure nothing is hanging off the stroller and all items are secured. No to the bag/backpack.

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 cell number and put them in the Black Pick Up Truck near the entrance of the Mackinaw City Recreation Center before 5:30am the day of the race, or near the LED Brick Sign at the starting line in St. Ignace. They will be taken to the finish line for you to pick up when you finish the race.
• 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, bananas, etc. Any bags leftover will be brought back to Michigan Fitness Foundation in Lansing.

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, but due to the Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk that immediately follows our race, we need you to be able to run a 12 minute mile as there will be upwards of 60,000 people walking behind you. Should you fall behind the 12-minute pace you will likely be incorporated into the walk, which in turn may make it difficult for you to run or receive your finisher's medal as we tear down and get out of the way quickly so the walk isn’t hampered by our finish line.

Q: Will there be race photos?

• Yes. We will have a photographer on the Mackinac Bridge just past the south tower taking many photos of our runners as they are running on the Bridge. We do not provide images of the actual finish line as the moments we like to capture are on the actual bridge (the finish line isn't as pretty). Photos will be available a few weeks after the race. Be sure to watch our Facebook Page as we post candid snaps there first.