The 2023 Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, beginning with the sound of the musket at 9:00 am.  This year there will be a traditional mass start inside Fort Mackinac, with runners and walkers travelling through the Sally Port gate to the racecourse ahead.  All proceeds help support the Mackinac Historic State Parks!

There will also be a Virtual Race, which can be run or walked anytime at participant’s convenience.  All virtual times can be logged by the participant in a separate Virtual Race category (no awards).

New for 2023 – the Fort2Fort Five Mile is now part of the 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 medal and will be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon.  (Note, Virtual events count as participation in the Trio).

STARTING TIME

The start of both the 5 Mile Run and Walk will begin inside Fort Mackinac at 9:00 am with the sound of the musket firing.   Runners and walkers will go through the Sally Port gates to the course ahead on Huron Road

Fort doors will be open and rest rooms available inside.  Restrooms are also available outside at the Huron Road Pavilion.

LOCATION

The race will finish in on the lawn behind and east of Fort Mackinac (next to start line).

ENTRY FEES

• $40.00 on or before January 15, 2023
• $45.00 January 16- March 31, 2023
• $50.00 April 1 – May 12, 2023
• $55.00 – May 13, 2023 (Race Day)

Register Online or by mail to:

RunMackinac Events
746 Chamberlain St.
Flushing, MI  48433 

Make Checks Payable To: RunMackinac Events (U.S. FUNDS)

2023 Mackinac Island Trio Series!

The Fort2Fort is now part of the 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 any of the “in person” events, you will still be eligible for the Trio medal if you complete the races virtually and record your time).

Special Rates at Mission Point Resort for the Race and the Trio Series!

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

Cancellation Policy – We do not offer registration refunds for any event, though we will allow transfers or deferrals at a $10 fee. Note:  Within 30 days of race no deferrals are allowed.  You may transfer to another registrant or transfer your entry to the Virtual Race.

CHECK-IN

Packet Pickup opens at 7:30 am on Race Day.

All bibs and shirts will picked-up at the Huron Road Pavilion, just behind and east of Fort Mackinac.  From the ferry lines, take Fort Road up the hill or enter front doors of Fort (doors will be open to pass through Fort).

Please plan to arrive on the Island with adequate time to walk to the Fort (approximately 10-15 minute walk) and pickup your packet and be at the 9:00 start inside Fort Mackinac.

There will be NO Gear Check.  We encourage you to take advantage of the storage locker rental at both Ferry Line docks.  You can, however, leave gear in the area near the Pavilion at your own risk, but there will be no volunteer monitoring the area.  We are not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items and ask that you not store any valuables (i.e. wallets, purses, computers, iPods, etc.) at race site.

Course

Race begins on Huron Road behind Fort Mackinac with a “Rolling Start”. Participants will run or walk to Arch Rock, then follow Leslie Trail to North Bicycle Trail arriving at Garrison Road behind the Scout Barracks.  They will follow Garrison past cemeteries to Fort Holmes Road, proceeding up the hill to circle Fort Holmes.  From Fort Holmes, the course will travel back down the hill to Garrison Road, then follow Custer Road to turn left on Huron.  The last portion will go past Governor’s Cottage to finish behind Fort Mackinac on the Parade Grounds.

Aid Stations and Rest Rooms on Course

Special low season rates at most Island Hotels, including special rates at  Mission Point Resort.  Go to  Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau  or call 1-800-454-5227 for information and rate ranges (Mission Point at 800– 833-7711 and mention the race).

Special Rates at Mission Point Resort for the Trio Series!

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

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

Awards

• Unique burnt wood medals for all finishers in the race!
• Great Tech Shirt guaranteed to all pre-registered entrants.
• Post-race refreshments for all participants.

 Age Group Awards – In Person Race Only (no awards for the Virtual Race)

Overall and Masters male and female, and top three (3) finishers in each division.

There will be no official award ceremony—all awards will be available for pickup in the Pavilion soon after the race.  Please check your results and make every effort to get your award or make plans for someone to get it for  you.

Run Divisions (In-Person Race Only): 12 & Under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54,55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 8 0+

Walk Divisions (In-Person Race Only): 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+

Photos will be provided to all race participants. You can view your photos on your results page and download or share for free!

RESULTS

Race will be scored with the ChronoTrack B-Tag located on your bib, you must wear your bib in full view to be scored.  Results will be posted online during the race and can also be accessed by scanning the qr code on your bib.  Please check posted results soon after your finish so we can make corrections before awards are given out.

REFRESHMENTS

Fruit and refreshments will be available in the Pavilion after the race for all participants.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Special low season rates at most Island Hotels, including special rates at  Mission Point Resort.  Go to  Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau  or call 1-800-454-5227 for information and rate ranges (Mission Point at 800– 833-7711 and mention the race).

EVENTS

Enjoy the historic and interactive exhibits of Fort Mackinac!

All race participants will enter the Fort free of charge using their race bib as entry.  Family members will receive a discount on entrance tickets to Fort.  The Tea Room inside the Fort will be open at 9:00 for hot & cold beverages and pastries.  Lunch is served from 11:00—3:00 in the Tea Room with a spectacular view of the Island under the Yellow Umbrellas!