History
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.
