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?

• While supplies last. We generally print a handful of shirts in each size over the master order. Swapping the shirt ordered for a differnt 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 for the run?

• YES! YOU MUST WEAR THE OFFICIAL SHIRT 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 it. 
• 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 Express 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. 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.

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

• 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: 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: 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 animals are allowed in the event.

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

• No.

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 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 East 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, we cannot.
• You must be able to average a 15-minute mile or less due to the Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk that immediately follows our race. There will be upwards of 40,000 people walking behind you. 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 join the walk.
• It is vital that you commit to running this event with a 15-minute pace or less. While this is a non-timed fun run, this is not a run/walk or a walk and is designed for runners only.

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.