Mackinac 8 Mile Road Race |09.06.25
Race Start Time is 9:30 am!
End your Summer with the Mackinac 8 Mile Road Race
Join us for the 53rd anniversary of this exciting, summer-ending event. You will experience Mackinac Island in one of the oldest and most scenic races in Michigan. The Island is a unique destination that can only be reached by ferry. Step back in time to a bygone era where travel is done by foot, bicycle, carriage or horse. With up to 1,600 runners and walkers, this is definitely a race you and your family will never forget!
Race Photos on Your Results Page!
We are offering FREE race photos to all of our participants. After the race, view your results and photos taken at the race – all on one page! You will be able to share as many photos as you want for free!
2024 Mackinac Island Trio Series!
Register for three RunMackinac races (either the Fort2Fort 5 Mile or the Lilac Festival 10K, plus both the Mackinac Eight Mile and the Great Turtle Trail Race) 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 all three races, and will be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon. You can register individually for all three events and be eligible for the Trio and the medal.
Great Retro Race Shirt and Medals!
All participants receive a great long sleeve shirt and a commemorative Mackinac Island Eight Mile medal! This year’s shirt is a retro 100% cotton long sleeve shirt, designed by 
Isabella Li Kostrzewa, a designer and artist based in Brooklyn, NY and originally from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Growing up, one of Isabella’s favorite memories was going to Mackinac Island every September with siblings Grace and Daniel to watch their dad Mike Kostrzewa run the 8 mile race around the Island, which he has been doing for over 50 years. This shirt design was inspired by 70’s design motifs and archival family running images. Isabella is the founder and designer of a brand called Isaboko that is about radical sustainability, zero waste patterning, and waste material solutions. You can see more at isaboko.com or on instagram @isaboko_ Isabella ran the race for the first time in 2023 and plans to continue running the race every year to carry on Mike’s legacy.
Location
The 8 Mile Run & Walk will start directly in front of the Mission Point Resort. The Finish Line is located along along the Lakeshore Trail on the lakefront lawn (Great Lawn) of Mission Point Resort.
Start Time: 8 Mile Run & Walk will start at 9:30 AM
Please line up according to your pace with the faster runners at the front and walkers the last to start.
Kids Fun Run will begin at approximately 12:45 AM Children should gather at the Gazebo on Mission Point’s Lawn for fun exercise and instructions prior to the race.
Entry Fees
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission has assessed a $8.00 Park Usage Fee per person – the fee is included in your registration fee.
By March 31, 2024:
8 Mile Run/Walk: $50.00
Kid’s Fun Run: $15.00
April 1 – June 30, 2024
8 Mile Run/Walk: $55.00
Kid’s Fun Run: $15.00
July 1 – August 31, 2024:
8 Mile Run/Walk: $60.00
Kid’s Fun Run: $15.00
September 1 – September 7, 2024:
8 Mile Run/Walk: $65.00
Kid’s Fun Run: $20.00
Need to make a change to your registration? If you need to switch events, alter shirt size, or update your personal information, you can do so by clicking here to login into your account.
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:
- Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
- Defer your registration to the same event next year – $15 fee. (Good for one year only and may not be transferred to another participant).
- 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:
- Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
- 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
Entrants are required to pick up their race bib and shirt in the Sound Stage of Mission Point Resort (past the Spa, and up the steps). Packet Pickup Hours are:
- Friday, September 6: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, September 7, 7:30 – 9:30 AM
We recommend you catch a ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace no later than 8:00 AM on race day.
Race Day Registration
Individuals may register on race day from 7:30 – 9:00 AM at the Mission Point Resort Sound Stage. To avoid long lines and wait time, we recommend you complete your registration online (on your phone) prior to arriving at the registration area. You will then only need to have your bib assigned and get your shirt.
Gear Check
There will be no Gear Check this year, however you may leave your gear in the Sound Stage at Mission Point Resort. We ask that you do not store any valuables (i.e. wallets, purses, computers, iPods, etc.). We will not have volunteers to check in or monitor the gear and are not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items.
Course
The Start Line is located in front of Mission Point Resort, and the course will follow the perimeter of Mackinac Island in a clock-wise direction. The first mile of the race will travel past Victorian homes, the boat harbor and a myriad of shops and hotels in downtown Mackinac Island. Once through town, the route follows the shoreline of the Straits of Mackinac featuring breathtaking views of the Mackinac Bridge, neighboring islands and historic rock formations, finishing at waters edge on the lawn of Mission Point. This course is fast and flat but the scenery is so beautiful, you may just decide to relax and enjoy! The Finish Line is located along the shores in the park out front of Mission Point Resort.
Absolutely no roller blades, wagons or other wheeled vehicles will be allowed for those participating in the race. Strollers and pets are discouraged due to safety concerns, but they are not prohibited.
Mackinac Island Trio Series
Register for three RunMackinac races (either the Fort2Fort 5 Mile or the Lilac Festival 10K, plus both the Mackinac Eight Mile and the Great Turtle Trail Race) 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 all three races, and will only be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon. You can register individually for the three events and be eligible for the Trio and the medal.
Awards
All participants receive great long sleeve shirt.
All finishers will receive our 100% cotton Retro shirt, medal and post-race refreshments.
Run Awards: Awards to Overall and Masters male and female and the first three finishers in each age group.
Walk Awards: Awards to Overall and Masters male and female and the first three finishers in each age group; we will go deeper in some age groups depending on participation. (If you register for the walk, you cannot run at any time during the race. Walk will be scored on the honor system and monitored by your fellow walkers. Walkers will receive accurate times up to 2 1/2 hours.)
Age Groups – Both Events:
Men & Women: 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, 80-84, 85 & Over.
Note: There will be no formal awards ceremony. Please check the posted results after the race and if you have placed as an award winner, you may pick up your award until approximately 12:30 PM at Race Headquarters in the Sound Stage.
Photos will be provided to all race participants. You can view and share your photos on your results page at no additional fee.
Photos will be provided to all race participants. You can view and share your photos on your results page at no additional fee.
When does online registration close?
Online registration does not close. You may register online on race morning (in fact we encourage it) and just have a bib assigned when you arrive.
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:
- Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
- Defer your registration to the same event next year – $15 fee. (Good for one year only and may not be transferred to another participant).
- 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:
- Transfer your registration to another participant – $10 fee.
- 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?
Need to make a change to your registration? If you need to switch events, alter shirt size, or update your personal information, you can do so by clicking here to login into your account. Or you can contact us directly ([email protected]) and we will take care of it for you.
Want to defer to the 2025 Eight Mile Road Race?
Deferrals are allowed up to 15 days prior to the race for a $15 fee. They are good for one year for the same event. Deferrals cannot be transferred to another participant.
You can sign into your registration page and manage the deferral yourself (no need to call the race director)
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 during the posted hours. The Sound Stage is upstairs above the Lakeside Spa and Salon (from the main lobby building, go up the stairs to the Promenade Deck, walk past the Lakeside Spa and you will see the stairs on your right – stairs are between the Spa and the Theater. Please be prepared to show a photo id at pickup if requested. We do allow you to pick-up registrations for others, but please be sure you are authorized by them to get their packet.
What are the expo hours?
Friday, September 6, 2024 – 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 7, 2024 – 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Will I be able to store my gear during the race?
You may store your gear in the Sound Stage. 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 and may not be checking in your gear.
Are there any hotel discounts?
Special Rates at Mission Point Resort for the Trio Series!
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. Rooms for all three races must be reserved at the same time. Call 800-833-7711 to get the 10% Trio discount.
Do I have to stay on the island?
No, you can stay at a hotel on the main land in one of the fine Mackinaw City or St. Ignace motels – or drive to the ferry that morning. Shepler’s Ferry will offer a 7:00 a.m. boat the morning of the race and will be running extra boats that morning as well. Please check with all ferry lines for a full schedule of departure times. To ensure that you arrive to the race on time, we suggest you leave the main land by 7:30 and definitely no later than 8:00 AM.
Are there any ferry discounts?
Shepler’s Ferry offers a discounted rate of $26 per adult and $17 per child for participants and their family. If you did not order a discounted ticket during registration, you will also receive the discount at the ticket office by telling them you are part of the race.
What is the weather like on the island?
The weather varies with the season. The average high for the beginning of September is 72 degrees, and the average low is 47 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 will do our best to accommodate. Since we order size and quantity based on entries, we have to give you the size you ordered when you pick-up. However, we will gladly exchange your shirt at the “Shirt Exchange” table prior to the race, if we have your preferred size available. If not, check back after the race to see if any became available.
What time do the races start?
The 8 Mile Run will begin at 9:30 AM, the 8 Mile Walk will begin in the last group and the Kid’s Fun Run will start at 12:45 PM.
Where are the start lines?
The start line for both the 8 Mile Run and Walk are located directly in front of the Mission Point Resort. The Kid’s Fun Run will be located in the park in front of Mission Point Resort.
Do both races finish at the same point?
Yes, both races will finish in the park, along the lake shores in front of Mission Point Resort.
What are the courses like?
The course will follow the perimeter of Mackinac Island in a clock-wise direction. The first mile of the race will travel past Victorian homes, the boat harbor and a myriad of shops and hotels in downtown Mackinac Island. Once through town, the route follows the shoreline of the Straits of Mackinac featuring breathtaking views of the Mackinac Bridge, neighboring islands and historic rock formations, finishing at waters edge on the lawn of Mission Point. This course is fast and flat but the scenery is so beautiful, you may just decide to relax and enjoy!
Can I run with a stroller?
For the safety of your child and other runners, we ask that you do not run with a stroller (though we do not actually prohibit it). Walkers may use strollers provided they start in the back of the pack.
What about pets?
While we do not prohibit dogs on the course, for the safety of yourself and other participants, we strongly ask that you do not run or walk with your pets.
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 8 mile course in 3 hours?
While we request all participants be properly prepared and trained to complete the eight miles within 3 hours (22 min/mile pace), we know things happen during a race to affect your performance, and we do not officially close the finish line until the last finisher reaches us, so if you are slightly over the 3 hour limit, do not be concerned. The water stations, on the course however, are only left open to accommodate the 3 hour limit.
Will there be bathrooms on the course?
Porta-Johns will be located near the start/finish line area only – none on the course. Restrooms are available at British Landing (4-mile point on the course).
How many water stations are on the course?
Three water stations will be located approximately every two miles along the course. There will also be water available at the finish line.
Is there childcare available during the race?
No. Facilities for childcare are not available during the race. If you are staying on the Island, please check with your hotel about the availability of child care.
Is there food available after I finish?
Yes, we will have fruit and water available at the finish line.
Where will the results be posted?
Race results will be immediately available on our web site . You may also use your phone to retrieve immediate results online by scanning the QR code on your race bib or going to the online results link.
Do I get a medal?
Participants who complete the race will receive a commemorative medal at the finish line.
Will there be an awards ceremony?
There will not be a formal awards ceremony following the race. Please check the results, however, to see if you’ve placed in the top 3 age group finishers in the Run or Walk. If so, your award can be picked up in the Sound Stage of Mission Point Resort until 12:30 p.m. We encourage you to get your award before you leave the Island or have someone else pick your award up for you.
What if I win an award and don’t realize it until I get home?
Not a problem. Simply Contact Us, let us know the place you won and in which age-group, and we will send the award to you (mailing fee may apply).
Are there changing rooms available after the race?
There are no changing rooms available at Mission Point Resort, only restroom facilities. (Showers are no longer available at the Mackinac Island School).
