Bridge Run FAQ Page
How do I participate in this year’s Bridge Run?
The 2012 Bridge Run lottery is still open! To register for the run visit the Bridge Run site. The lottery closes at 5:00 p.m. on May 31.
**More FAQs will be posted as questions arise.
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?
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
I am a slow runner. Is there a time cut off? I have never done this before!
Hi Jackie,
The hope is that everyone can run at least a 12-minute mile to make it across the Bridge before the walkers catch up. But, not to worry, we will have designated volunteers who can help pace you through the run if needed. We have had concerns similar to yours in the past, and everyone has done just fine and really enjoyed the experience.
Sarah Siewert
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Michigan Fitness Foundation
I’m glad you addressed this question. I’ve been so excited @ being able to run over the bridge but am concernced because a muscle injury is slowing me down a bit lately. I think I’ll be fine on race day, but this is my first running type injury, and it’s not fun. My running group leader says, rest is the best – but that’s hard to do!
Hi – i have never done this race before but was accepted this time! Do you know if there are ferries that leave early enough from Mackinac Island for the run? How would i get to st. ignace from mackinac island for the run? thanks!
Hi Angel,
Congrats on being selected! Unfortunately, there are not ferries that leave early enough from Mackinac Island. The earliest boat from the Island leaves at 8 a.m., but Bridge runners are meeting in Mackinaw City at 5 a.m. for the bus to the start line in St. Ignace.
Sarah Siewert
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Michigan Fitness Foundation
Is there a way to pay the fee on-line? I still haven’t gotten my packet and don’t want to miss the deadline.
Is there any way, logistically, that I can do the run then do the walk with my family? Thanks!
Hi Holly,
Yes, you can complete the Run and then head back to the start line for the Walk. Most Runners finish by 8 a.m., and walkers are permitted to start walking until 11 a.m. There will be public buses leaving from Mackinaw City (finish line area) to St. Ignace (start line area) that morning for $5. We will also have a couple of privately reserved buses for Runners-only that are heading back to St. Ignace for no charge leaving at 8:30 a.m. from the Mackinaw City Recreation Center (same spot all Runners meet in the morning).
Sarah Siewert
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Michigan Fitness Foundation
This is my first time running the this event and I want to get in a little bit of hill work before the run. Can you tell me what the angle of elevation is on the bridge so I could set the treadmill to that same angle? Thanks, looking forward to a great event.
Hi Mike,
According to our veteran runners there is an approximate incline of 5% in the middle of the bridge. Several individuals have noted that the incline is very gradual and is not very noticeable but they still recommend including hill climbing in your training program.
Kellie Kafantaris
Marketing and Events Intern
Michigan Fitness Foundation
What all do I need to check-in? Just a photo ID?
Hi Nancy,
You are correct! All you need to check-in is a photo ID.
See you at the Bridge!
Kellie Kafantaris
Marketing and Events Intern
Michigan Fitness Foundation
Hi! I know that the run is non-competative. Is the race timed? If so, will official times be posted anywhere? thanks! Angel
Hi Angel,
Unfortunately the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run is not a timed event so official times will not be recorded.
See you at The Bridge,
Kellie Kafantaris
Marketing and Events Intern
Michigan Fitness Foundation
We found better hotel prices in St. Ignace. Is there a problem with just being at the starting line at 6:15 am? Or is that only for extenuating circumstances? It looks like it wouldn’t be a problem to get a ride back to St. Ignace afterward. And if we could avoid having to drive to Mackinaw City by 5 am just to ride back to St. Ignace that would be ideal.
Hi! I’m so glad you have decided to stay in St. Ignace! It is important to us that we share the economic boost that festivities around the Bridge provide with St. Ignace as well as Mackinaw City. There are many great places to stay in St. Ignace.
There will be some parking available near the start line in St. Ignace, but it will be limited. We do encourage runners to park their cars at the Recreation Center in Mackinaw City and take the buses to the start line. This is because for those who will be heading down state after the run it will be much easier to have their cars at the finish. However, if you plan to spend additional time in St. Ignace after the run (or if you live in the Upper Peninsula), it would be wise to keep your car near the start area. Two buses will be available after the run at the Mackinaw City Recreation Center at 8:30 a.m. to transport runners back to St. Ignace.
Runners MUST be in the start line area by 6:15 a.m. Maps of the start line and finish line area will be provided in runner packets.
Best,
Gretchen Mensing,
Public Relations and Development Manager
Michigan Fitness Foundation
Can you tell me the official distance of the run?
Hi Stacey,
The distance of the run is approximately 5 miles. See you then!
Katie Heck
Marketing and Events Intern
Michigan Fitness Foundation
Is Governor Snyder a runner or a walker ? Will he be greeting the runners at the start of the run, or will he be at the end of the run for pictures as previous years ?
For those asking about the incline of the bridge, don’t worry it is not a factor. Just enjoy the run (not a race) enjoy the hour. You are one of less than 5,000 people to ever have run over the bridge in the past 10 years. Priceless. Compare that to more than 20 million crowded people who have walked across it in 54 years.
Governor Snyder will be sending runners off at the start line this year. He will also be participating in the walk.
Thanks for your tip!
Hello, looking for some suggestions.
I will be doing the Bridge run and my wife would like to do the walk. Is it better to stay in Mackinaw City of St. Ignace, my main concern is how long my wife would have to wait and transportion available. Obviously this is our first time here during the holiday weekend, my main fear is the gridlock in the small cities. Any hotel recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks
Hi Dave,
We like to recommend St. Ignace so that we may help share the economic boost in the area that happens over Labor Day weekend. However, it would depend on what your plans are for after the walk. If you are planning on heading “down state” immediately after you complete the walk, we would recommend staying in Mackinaw City. Hope this helps!
Are the chip times posted somewhere? I was just curious what mine was and I couldn’t find a link.
Hi Jessica,
You can view your time and other data at http://ridestreaming.com/