Press
Press Inquiries
For media requests, images, and other Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run information, email us.General Information
About
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 12-minute pace or less. If you expect to run slower than 12-minutes per mile, cannot run the entire 4.3 miles, or experience acrophobia (fear of heights), you 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.”
For more information visit https://runsignup.com/bridgerun.
2024
Michigan Fitness Foundation launches Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run Store and Commemorative Poster
LANSING, MI — Michigan Fitness Foundation has launched a new Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run Pop-up Store and created a 20th Anniversary Commemorative Poster to mark the event.
Using the Printify print on demand online platform, new official event merchandise has been created and includes hoodies, hats, neck gaiters, and socks to weekender bags, camp mugs, pint glasses, journals, puzzles, arctic fleece throws, and more. Printify uses a vast network of providers to ensure competitive product & shipping prices, as well as speedy deliveries across the globe.
To commemorate the event’s 20th Anniversary, a new tee shirt design and commemorative poster was created by Michigan Fitness Foundation Senior Graphic Designer Charli Holloway.
2023
Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run First Official Recipe Reveal
LANSING, MI — This year, Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) and Michigan Beef Industry Commission (MIBeef) collaborated to create the first official recipe for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run. Fresh Coast Beef Kabobs celebrate healthy eating and the tradition of grilling over the holiday weekend. The recipe features marinated beef sirloin tips skewered with seasonal fresh grown Michigan vegetables. Summer seasonal vegetables include red skin potatoes, onions, zucchini, summer squash, and bell peppers. The name of the recipe gives a nod to Michigan’s freshwater coastline, the longest in the nation at 3,288 linear miles...
Michigan Beef Industry Commission is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2023 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run
LANSING, MI — Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) is pleased to announce Michigan Beef Industry Commission as the presenting sponsor for the 2023 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run. The Labor Day Bridge Run takes place Monday, September 4 and is the only running event to take place on the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
“The Michigan Beef Industry Commission is a valued partner, and we are grateful to have them as a presenting sponsor of the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run.” Said MFF President & CEO Amy Ghannam.
Agriculture is one of the top three industries in Michigan. The cattle industry plays a major role in providing consumers with both beef and dairy products.
“On behalf of Michigan’s beef farmers and ranchers that manage over 12,000 beef and dairy farms in our state, we are pleased to sponsor the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run,” said Michigan Beef Industry Commission Executive Director George Quackenbush. “This event is a great fit for us. Whether you are an athlete or just like to be active, beef is nutrient-dense and provides a high level of health benefits that helps fuel our bodies.”
2022
Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run – A Destination Race
LANSING, MI — Michigan Fitness Foundation’s annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run (Bridge Run) is the only running event on the Mackinac Bridge. Drawing runners from around the globe, the run takes place on Monday, September 5.
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.
The region is also 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.
