4 running events in Mackinac County, Michigan

Join us on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 for a unique event celebrating Fort Holmes and Fort Mackinac on Historic Mackinac Island to help support the efforts of Mackinac Historic State Parks! Now in its 9th year, this challenging 5 mile race is for runners and walkers of all ages and is always one to remember! Start inside Fort Mackinac to run or walk through beautiful, paved trails, past historic Island landmarks to Fort Holmes—the highest point of the Island—then travel back on the scenic paved trails to finish at Fort Mackinac!

All participants will receive FREE ENTRY to Fort Mackinac and other Mackinac Island attractions throughout the day, plus a great shirt and a unique burnt wood medal!

Traditional 9:00 a.m. mass start inside Fort Mackinac! Packet pick-up will be in the Pavilion, outside Fort Mackinac starting at 7:30AM, to 9:00AM on race day.

The Fort2Fort Five Mile is part of the Mackinac Island Trio Series! Register and complete either the Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge or the Lilac Festival 10K, and both the Mackinac Island Eight Mile and Great Turtle Trail Run, and you will receive a special Mackinac Island Trio Series medal. This will be a separate medal from the other finisher’s medal and will be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon.

Can't make it to the Island on May 9th, but want to support the MHSP? Join us in the 2025 Virtual Run! You will receive the bib, shirt, medal and free Fort Mackinac pass via USPS, and can upload your virtual race time to the results page.

Join us on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a great early summer 10K on Mackinac Island and help kick off the 78th Mackinac Island Lilac Festival!

This race has been a favorite for over 39 years on Mackinac Island - the course encompasses Mackinac Island at it's finest! Starting at Windemere Park, participants travel through our historic downtown, then up the challenging Mission Hill to tree-covered paved roads through the center of the Island. The last three miles follow the shore line with tremendous views of the Mackinac Bridge, finishing at Mackinac Island Public School.

Lil’ Lilac Kid’s Race! There will be a special event for young children starting at 11:45, at the school. Children will run on the lawn outside the school (either 150 or 300 yards, depending on age and ability), and receive a medal at the finish. Race registration includes a shirt.

2026 Mackinac Island Trio Series! Register and complete either the Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge or the Lilac Festival 10K, plus both the Mackinac Island Eight Mile and Great Turtle Trail Run, and you will receive a special Mackinac Island Trio Series medal. This will be a separate medal from the other finisher’s medals you will receive at the completion of your selected three races, and will only be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon. (Note, if you are unable to join us for an “in person” events, you will still be eligible for the Trio medal if you complete the races virtually and record your time).