3 running, walking, and swimming events in Saint Ignace, Michigan

Swim across the Straits of Mackinac alongside the beautiful Mackinac Bridge. This is a swim to benefit First Responders of Michigan. About 4.5 miles across as the swim starts in Mackinaw City and ends at Bridgeview Park in St.Ignace. Expect water temperature to be anywhere from 57 degrees to 70. You will be REQUIRED to show proof of a 40/minute mile or less to qualify to swim by May 1,2026. Wetsuits and swim buoy required. This is not an officially timed event. You want your time, wear a Garmin watch and time yourself.

Known as the Mighty Mac, the Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere and the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. Imagine for a moment - the sounds of seagulls flying above, ferry boat horns and waves crashing on the shoreline below, views of Mackinac Island and vast Great Lakes Vistas alongside you, the sun rising and washing the sky with glorious shades of orange...this is the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run, and it is the only running event on the Mackinac Bridge.

This non-competitive run is organized by Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports with support from the Mackinac Bridge Authority and Michigan Department of Transportation. It is the only running event on the Mackinac Bridge.

• Registration includes a technical tee shirt, finisher medal and a race bib.

• The course is approximately 4.3 miles and not certified for distance.

• All participants are expected to finish the entire 4.3 miles by 8:00 am.

• All runners must be able to pace a 15-minute mile or less to participate.

• The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run takes place before the Labor Day Bridge Walk and is limited to 700 participants.

• This is not a walk or a run/walk, this is a running event only. If you are looking for information about the Labor Day Bridge Walk, visit https://www.mackinacbridge.org/events/walk/mackinacbridge.org.

To register and participate in this event you must provide proof that you can pace a 15-minute mile or less. To do this, enter a URL to recent race results or a screen shot from recent race results or from a running app to show your ability to meet the qualifications for this event. Questions? Email us at [email protected].

🏃‍♀️ New Date, New Theme, Same Fun! 🍂

Registration for the 10K Run or 5K Run/Walk opens soon!

Get ready for the Annual "Moie Brown Memorial" Run for the Health of It, presented by First National Bank of St. Ignace! This year’s event is bigger and brighter than ever—with the return of the Color Run and complimentary root beer floats for all participants!

Join us on the Mackinac Straits Health System campus in St. Ignace for the in-person run/walk. Stick around town after the race and celebrate the Annual St. Ignace Fall Fest, happening at the Little Bear Arena.

Prefer to participate virtually? You can join the fun from anywhere—your neighborhood, favorite trail, or even another state!

We’re moving for a cause, celebrating community spirit, and honoring the legacy of Moie Brown, a beloved supporter of our hospital and community! We can't wait to see you in September!

📸 Don’t forget to share your colorful photos and results using #stignacerunforthehealthofit so we can celebrate with you! All proceeds benefit Mackinac Straits Health System and Evergreen Living Center.

When: Saturday, September 26, 2026; announcements will begin at approximately 8:15, with the race beginning promptly at 8:30 AM

Where: Mackinac Straits Health System St. Ignace Campus (or anywhere your feet will take you with our virtual race option!)

Registration includes a commemorative T-shirt or Long Sleeve Shirt and a finisher's medal

Important Dates

Don’t miss your chance to participate in the 2026 "Moie Brown Memorial" Run for the Health of It—in-person or virtually! Plan ahead and mark your calendars:

• Early Bird Registration Opens: November 1, 2025

• Discounted Early Bird Registration Pricing Ends: February 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

• Registration with a Guarantee of a Commemorative Shirt Ends: August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

• Online Registration for IN-PERSON ONLY Ends: September 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (in-person registration available at 8:00 a.m. on race day)

• In-Person Race: September 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

• Virtual Race: September 26, 2026, to October 10, 2026, at 11:50 p.m.

*We guarantee a specially designed t-shirt or long-sleeve along with a cool medal to those who register by Monday, August 2, 2026. Virtual participants can expect to have their shirts and medals mailed to them before the race. We DO NOT ship to Canada.

Award Information

We’re excited to celebrate our participants with custom awards handcrafted by the talented LaSalle High School Woodshop class!

• Overall Male & Female Finishers: Awards for each race

• Age Group Awards: Handmade awards for the following categories:

• 14 & Under

• 15–25

• 26–39

• 40–49

• 40–59

• 60–69

• 70+

If you’d like to purchase additional T-shirts or long sleeve tops, or have additional questions, please contact Race Director, Lani Fettig, at [email protected].

Course Directions

Both the 5K and 10K races start at Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace promptly at 8:30 a.m.

• 5K Course: Runners head out to North State Street, then N. Airport Road past the airport and a small hill. After turning onto S. Airport Road, the course heads downhill back toward the hospital, looping around Evergreen Living Center to the finish line.

• 10K Course: Follows the same route initially, then turns onto N. State Street, continuing to Reagon Street, Lemotte Street, and Cheeseman Road. Runners turn around about a mile out and return to finish at the hospital loop around Evergreen Living Center.

Course Support: Standing signs, painted road markers, and volunteers will be placed throughout the courses to guide participants.

Copy and paste for route maps:

Run For Health 5K - 5km Running Route near Saint Ignace (ID: 2239783) (plotaroute.com)

Run For Health 10K - 10km Running Route near Saint Ignace (ID: 2239795) (plotaroute.com)

*Courses are subject to change slightly due to upcoming construction projects.