Great Turtle Trail Run |10.26.24

Don’t miss the 2024 Great Turtle Trail Race

This year marks the 28th running of one of the most scenic trail events in the state.  Join over 2200 participants running and walking the inside trails of Mackinac Island during the last open weekend of the season.

Great Swag!  Our 2024 is not yet determined but this race is known for its swag and you can count on another great garment.  All who register will receive our Great Turtle commemorative garment and our signature finish medal!

Come enjoy the beauty of late fall on Mackinac Island, great end-of-season sales and fun Halloween events for adults and kids.

FREE Race Photos!
We are again offering FREE race photos to all of our participants. Photos will be provided to all race participants on their personalized Results page. You can view and share your photos on your results page at no additional fee. 

Location & Start Times

Location
The Great Turtle Half Marathon will start directly in front of the Mission Point Resort.

The 5.7 Mile Run and Walk will start directly in front of the Straits Lodge of the Mission Point Resort, at the corner of Wendall Street and Mission Street.

The finish line for all events will be located in the park, just off the main road, also in front of Mission Point Resort.

Starting Times –
The 5.7 Mile Run & Walk will start at 10:30 AM
The Half Marathon will start at 10:45 AM

 

The Half Marathon Start Location


The 5.7 Mile Run & Walk Start Location

Registration

Registration

Entry Fees
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission has assessed a $8.00 Park Usage Fee per person – this fee is included in your registration fee.

By March 31, 2024 $60.00
April 1 – August 31, 2024 $65.00
September 1 – October 19, 2024 $70.00
October 20 – October 26, 2024 $75.00

Race day registration: $75.00

Cancellation Policy 

All events are non-refundable.  However, in the event you find yourself unable to participate on race weekend, after completing your registration, we provide these options.

Up to 15 days prior to the race you may:

  1. Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
  2. Defer your registration to the same event next year – $15 fee. (Good for one year only and may not be transferred to another participant).
  3. Transfer your event to the Virtual Race. We will mail your shirt, bib and medal to you after the race.  (no fee)

Within 10 days prior to the race, you may:

  1. Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
  2. Transfer your event to the Virtual Race. We will mail your shirt, bib and medal to you after the race.  (no fee)

Again, we are unable to offer refunds at any time, for any reason.

Race Check-in

Race Check-In
Entrants are required to pick up their race gear at the Mission Point Resort Sound Stage on

  • Friday, October 25, 4:00 – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday, October 26, 8:30 – 10:40 AM

We recommend you catch a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace no later than 9:00 AM on race day.

Race Day Registration
Individuals may register on race day at the Mission Point Resort Sound Stage/Promenade Deck.  To save time, please register online before you get tp the registration area so you will only need a bib assignment when you arrive at the race.

Gear Check
There will be no official (monitored) Gear Check.  You may, however, place your gear in the Sound Stage. We ask that you do not store any valuables (i.e. wallets, purses, computers, iPods, etc.). We are not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items.  For those in need of more security, rental lockers are available at all ferry lines.

Course Maps

Course
Water stations will be located approximately every 2.5 miles apart. Gatorade stations will be located at the Arch Rock water station and the British Landing water station.

Port-Johns will be located at the Half Marathon Start/Finish Line only. If you have to use the restroom along the course, please use the restrooms at Arch Rock or British Landing.

No roller blades, wagons or other wheeled vehicles will be allowed on the course as part of the race. Baby joggers and pets are discouraged due to safety concerns, but not prohibited.

Half Marathon Course


The Half Marathon will start in front of Mission Point Resort. The beginning of the course follows the shoreline featuring breathtaking views of the lake, neighboring islands and the historic Arch Rock formation.  You will then veer off the shoreline and wind through the beautiful island interior on bike trails and roads.  The roads are mostly paved with some gravel.  The last segment of the race returns to the shoreline, with the finish line located in front of the resort.

5.7 Mile Run & Walk Course

The 5.7 Mile will start in front of Mission Court, located next to Mission Point Resort . The first half of the course winds through the beautiful island interior on bike trails and roads.  The roads are mostly paved with some gravel.  The last half of the race brings you out to the shoreline, with the same breathtaking views of the Half Marathon.  The finish line will also be the same as the Half Marathon, located in front of the resort.

Awards & Divisions

Photos will be provided to all race participants. You can view and share your photos on your results page at no additional fee.

Mackinac Island Trio Series! Register for all three races 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 the races, and will only be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon.

There will be commemorative medals and post-race refreshments for all finishers.

Awards: Awards for all three events will be given to the Overall winners, the Masters Male and Female winners, and the first three finishers in each age division.

Age Divisions – Half Marathon and 5.7 Mile Run:

Men & Women: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50- 54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & Over.

Age Divisions – 5.7 Mile Walk: 
Men & Women: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60- 64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & Over.

Photos

Photos will be provided to all race participants. You can view and share your photos on your results page at no additional fee.

FAQs

Special Rates at Mission Point Resort for the Trio Series!
MissionnPoint is holding rooms for all three events at special rates – and if you call to reserve the rooms and tell them you are doing the Trio, you will receive a 10% discount.  Call 906-847-3300 to get the Trio discount.

When does online registration close?

Online registration will remain open throughout packet pickup.  If you are doing registration at the race, we encourage you to complete your registration online prior to arriving so we will only have to assign your bib number.  It will save time for you and our registration personnel.

Can I get a refund for my entry if I cannot participate in the race or transfer my entry to someone else?

Cancellation Policy –

All events are non-refundable.  However, in the event you find yourself unable to participate on race weekend, after completing your registration, we provide these options.

Up to 15 days prior to the race you may:

  1. Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
  2. Defer your registration to the same event next year – $15 fee. (Good for one year only and may not be transferred to another participant).
  3. Transfer your event to the Virtual Race. We will mail your shirt, bib and medal to you after the race.  (no fee)

Within 10 days prior to the race, you may:

  1. Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
  2. Transfer your event to the Virtual Race. We will mail your shirt, bib and medal to you after the race.  (no fee)

Again, we are unable to offer refunds at any time, for any reason.

Want to switch events?

If you need to switch events, there is no fee.  Prior to the race, please contact us.

You can also switch events on race day by telling us at the Solutions Table.

Need your email confirmation sent again?

If you are already registered, you may go online and retrieve your confirmation. You can do so by clicking here to login into your account.

What are the age restrictions?

The races are open to all ages. However, the course is challenging and we ask that all participants are properly trained to complete the desired course.

Where do I collect my packet?

You can pick-up your registration packet at the Mission Point Resort Sound Stage (or Promenade Deck, weather permitting).

What are the expo hours?

Friday, October 25, 2024 – 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Saturday, October 26, 2024 – 9:30 AM to 10;40AM

Will I be able to store my gear during the race?

You may store your gear in the Gear Check area of the Sound Stage.  This year we will not have official  monitors or check in for the Gear so we ask that you do not store any valuables (i.e. wallets, purses, computers, iPods, etc.) as we are not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items.

If you require a more secure place to keep your belongings while you participate in the race, we recommend you use one of the lockers at both of the Ferry Docks.

Are there any hotel discounts?

Special Rates at Mission Point Resort for the Trio Series!

Mission Point has special rates for the race but the block will fill early so don’t wait to reserve.  Go to This Link to reserve a room a the discounted block rate.

MissionPoint is holding rooms for all three events at special rates – and if you call to reserve the rooms and tell them you are doing the Trio, you will receive a 10% discount.  Call 800-833-7711 to get the 10% Trio discount.

Other hotels may have rooms available.  Please go to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau (mackinacisland.org) or call 906-847-3783 for availability.

Do I have to stay on the island?

No, you can stay at a hotel on the main land. The ferry lines will be running extra boats the morning of the race. Please check with the ferry line to verify sailing times for the morning the race.  To ensure that you arrive to the race on time, we suggest you leave the main land no later than 9:00 AM.

Are there any ferry discounts?

Shepler’s Ferry is offering discounts for participants of the race.  To purchase tickets online, go to Sheplersferry.com and use code RUNMACKINAC at checkout.  You will receive a $6 discount.

You can also  receive the discount at the ticket window on race day by telling the associate you are with the race.

Many thanks to Shepler’s for their continued support and sponsorship of our event!

What is the weather like on the island?

The weather varies with the season. The average high for the end of October is 51 degrees, and the average low is 38 degrees. Please check the weather during the week leading up to the race and prepare accordingly.

What do I do if my shirt is too large or small for me?

We can most likely accommodate you at our Exchange Area.   We cannot change out sizes when you pickup your garment since they are all pre-counted, but we will have an area where we will gladly exchange  while quantities last.

To ensure proper apparel size, please view the sizing chart on the Home tab.

What time do the races start?

The 5.7 Mile Run will begin at 10:30 AM, the 5.7 Mile Walk will begin at 10:35  AM and the Half Marathon will start at 10:45 AM.

Where are the start lines?

The start line for the half marathon is located directly in front of the Mission Point Resort. The 5.7 mile will start directly in front of the Straights Lodge of the Mission Point Resort, at the corner of Wendall Street and Mission Street.

Do both races finish at the same point?

Yes, both races will finish in the park, just off the main road, in front of Mission Point Resort.

What are the courses like?

The beginning of the half marathon course will be a flat, paved road that follows the shoreline. You will then veer off the shoreline and wind through the island on dirt and gravel bike trails, as well as some paved roads. The last segment of the race returns to the shoreline, with the finish line located in front of the Mission Point Resort.

The 5.7 mile race winds through the island’s interior on paved roads, and some dirt and gravel bike trails. The last half of the race brings you out to the shoreline, with the finish line located in front of the Mission Point Resort.

Can I run with a stroller?

For the safety of your child and other runners, we discourage strollers on the course, but they are not prohibited.

What about pets?

We do not prohibit pets in the race since the roads are not officially closed and there may be others (not in the race) out walking with their pet.  We do ask that you exercise a great deal of care if you have a pet with you and be respectful of others in the race.  (Even the most friendly of animals can get anxious when there are a lot of people running in a tight group and there is always the possibility someone may inadvertently step on a foot or tail….)

Are headphones allowed on course?

We do allow the use of headphones during our races, however we ask that you run with one earpiece in and one out.

What if I cannot complete the half marathon course in 3.5 hours?

We ask that participants be properly prepared and trained to complete the half marathon (13.1 miles) within 3.5 hours (16 min/mile pace). There is no limit for the 5.7 Mile.

Will there be bathrooms on the course?

Porta-Johns will be located near the half marathon start/finish line area only. If you have to use the restroom along the course, please  use the restrooms at British Landing (4 mile point on the half marathon course) or at Arch Rock (9 mile point on the half marathon course).

Is there childcare available during the race?

No. Facilities for childcare are not available during the race.

Is there food available after I finish?

Yes, we will have refreshments and water available at the finish line.

Where will the results be posted?

Race results will be available online immediately after your  race finish. You may also use your mobile devise to retrieve immediate results through our results link or by scanning the QR code on your bib..

Do I get a medal?

All participants  will receive a commemorative medal after the race at the finish line.

If you completed the Trio and are eligible for the Trio medal, you will have an extra label on your bib.  All Trio medals will be distributed at the finish line when you receive your race medal.

Are you giving out awards?

Yes, awards for the half marathon, 5.7 mile run and 5.7 mile walk will be given to the overall male and female winners, the overall masters male and female, and the top three finishers in each age division.

We will distribute awards after the race in the Packet Pickup area and we ask that you make sure you check the results and pick up your award prior to 3:30 if you placed.

If you would like to have an engraved plate sent to you (to place on your award), please send a stamped, self addressed envelope to

Bauman’s Running & Walking Shop

1473 W. Hill Road

Flint, MI  48507

You can request up to 3 lines engraved so please include the information you’d like on your plate.  For example:

   Mary Doe

1st Place, 50-54

     48:53

Will there be an awards ceremony?

There will not be a formal awards ceremony following the race. After the results have been finalized, award winners can retrieve their award in the Packet Pickup area at Mission Point (either Sound Stage or Promenade Deck).

We ask that you make every effort to pickup your award or arrange to have someone else pickup for you.  (Shipping costs may be charged for awards we have to mail).

What if I win an award and don’t realize it until I get home?

We ask that you make every effort to check the results and make sure you (or someone else) pick up your award before you leave.

Not a problem. Simply Contact Us, to arrange for shipping, though a charge may apply.

Are there changing rooms available after the race?

There are no changing rooms or showers avaiable at Mission Point Resort. If you need to change clothes after the race, you may use one of the restroom facilities.