2,000 Expected for Road Race September 9
Island's Races Features Scenic Views of Straits of Mackinac, Forest Trails

Mackinac Island will host two running and walking events this fall, both produced by Gault Race Management of Flushing. The 36th annual Mackinac Island Eight-Mile Run and Walk event will be Saturday, September 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Mission Point Resort. The 11th annual Great Turtle Trail Half Marathon and 5.7-Mile Run and Walk will be Saturday, October 21.

Nearly 2,000 runners and walkers are gearing up for the 36th annual Mackinac Island Eight-Mile Run and Walk, sponsored by the St. Ignace Kiwanis Club, which will provide fruit and water for the participants.

Runners will begin the race, with walkers to follow after the last runner clears the start line.

The course follows the scenic shoreline around the Island on M-185, a state highway, which is the only state highway in Michigan that does not allow motor vehicles. The race begins and finishes in front of Mission Point Resort.

Participants can pick up their numbers or register if they have not already at Mission Point Resort Friday night, September 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

On race day, they can also pick up their jersey numbers and register between 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

After the adult races, a kids race will be held in the Mission Point Resort lawn at about 11:30 a.m.

The awards ceremony will be held at noon Saturday, once the kids race is completed. Awards are given to overall and masters winners in the male and female category, with the first three finishers in each age group also receiving personalized awards. Age range of runners and walkers are from 12 years old to over 75 years old.

A special Friday night pasta dinner will be offered to participants at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Mission Point Resort. Dinner includes pasta, three sauces, salads, rolls, and dessert. Cost is $15 per person.

The October Great Turtle race allows racers to experience the Island's fall scenic trails.

The race features a halfmarathon run, a 5.7-mile run, and a 5.7-mile walk, which starts at 11:30 a.m. in front of Mission Point Resort.

Late-comers can still register for the race the day before, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on race day from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A pasta dinner will be provided for participants after the race from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Mission Point Resort. Cost is $15 per person.