Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run

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.