2009 FAQ Page
Bridge Run FAQ Page
How do I participate in this year’s Bridge Run?
The deadline for the online lottery has already passed. Runners were randomally selected and will cross the bridge wearing matching t-shirts and required wristbands. **To be notified when the lottery opens for the 2010 Bridge Run please email MarketingEvents@MichiganFitness.Org with the subject line “Bridge Run 2010 Lottery”
Where and when can I check-in?
There are two options for check-in:
1) Sunday, September 6 from 5:00-5:30 p.m. at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace (“A” on the map”). Doors will remain locked at the Arena until 5:15 p.m.
Or
2) Monday, September 7, 2009, from 5:00-5:30 a.m. at the Recreation Center, Mackinaw City (“A” on the map).
What will I receive at the check-in?
You will receive a 2009 Bridge Run t-shirt and identification bracelet. Both items MUST be worn to participate in the event. A valid ID is also required to check-in.
Where is the pasta dinner?
The pasta dinner will be at Little Bear East Arena and Community Center in St. Ignace.
Why is the dinner in St. Ignace?
By having the dinner in St. Ignace we hope to encourage Bridge Runners to enjoy the City of St. Ignace and share in the economic boost that events around the Mackinac Bridge provide on Labor Day weekend. Visit www.saintignace.org for more information on what the city has to offer!
Can I bring family/friends to the pasta dinner on Sunday?
Yes – additional tickets are available for purchase at $12/adult and $8/child (ages 4-10). Please order additional tickets for guests and family members using the response form you will receive in the mail.
How do I get to the Bridge for the run?
Transportation to the start line will be provided by privately reserved buses.
ONLY runners and designated volunteers will be allowed on the reserved buses.
- Boarding begins at 5:00 a.m. at the Recreation Center in Mackinaw City (“A” on the map)
- Buses will leave promptly at 5:30 a.m.
If extenuating circumstances prevent you from riding the bus, please arrive at the start line holding area in St. Ignace no later than 6:15 a.m.
- The run begins in St. Ignace, at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the UPPER PENINSULA.
- The run ends in Mackinaw City at the south end in the LOWER PENINSULA.
If I have a question during the run, who should I contact?
Run volunteers will be wearing GREY shirts and can answer your questions.
Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely! Please attach the camera to your body in some manner to avoid creating a safety hazard. You may NOT stop on the bridge to take photos.
Can I wear an iPod, walkman or headset while running?
No. These items are a safety hazard, as you will need to be able to hear other runners, run officials, or vehicles that may be approaching behind you on the bridge.
Can I bring a water bottle on the run?
Yes. There will be no rest or water stops along the bridge course. For safety reasons, nothing may be discarded during the run.
What should I wear?
You are required to wear your Bridge Run t-shirt and ID bracelet – but because of cold morning temperatures and the windy conditions that frequently exist in the Straits of Mackinac, you may wish to layer with warm clothing. You are welcome to bring a bag in which to store extra clothing before the run begins. Plastic bags for this use will also be available at check-in.
Bags will be transported to the finish line (a location near Audie’s Restaurant) for pick up after the run. Unclaimed bags will be discarded.
Where should I go once I complete the run?
The race will end on the expressway in front of Audie’s Restaurant (“B” on map). Water and light snacks will be provided at the finish line. We ask that all runners wait near the finish line to cheer the Governor as she completes her run. It is anticipated that the Governor will speak to the runners at that spot immediately after the race. Group pictures may be taken at that time as well, and will be made available online.
Once finished, runners may walk to their cars at the Mackinaw City Recreation Center or take a bus (pick up at 8:30 a.m.) at the Rec Center to travel back to St. Ignace.
**More FAQs will be posted as questions arise.

August 20, 2009 at 8:12 pm |
Is there somewhere at the finish line where spouses/friends can wait to get pictures of us as we finish? Can they also snap pictures of the group photos that will be taken? Or is that a completely seperated area that only runners can be at?
August 24, 2009 at 3:21 pm |
There is a short fence directly next to the finish line where your supporters can gather and take photos. The finish line area is for runners only. All event photos, including the group photos, will be made available online after the Run. Access to these professional photos is included in your registration fee, meaning there is no additional cost. You could also potentially ask a fellow runner or volunteer (in gray shirts) to take a picture using your camera.
Sarah Siewert
Marketing and Events Coordinator