Michigan offers a myriad of settings to run in unique and beautiful places.  Fifteen years ago, I was provided an opportunity I couldn’t turn down – one of the most unique there is and established by a former governor’s quick step.

Most everyone is familiar with the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk, hosted annually since 1959 to celebrate the labor community and the construction of the bridge. Traditionally led by the governor, and followed by nearly 60,000 participants, it was former Governor Jennifer Granholm that added a 5-mile Governor’s Labor Day Bridge Run to the festivities.

It all began during her first Labor Day bridge walk as governor in 2003.  Governor Granholm, at the head of the pack, jogged instead of walked most of the way over the Mackinac Bridge and her action created a buzz with participants, event coordinators, and especially the media.  Running during the “bridge walk” had been banned and frowned upon for safety reasons, and the governor was chastised for sprinting and encouraging others to follow suit.  While some tried to politicize her blunder, the governor shook off the criticism and turned her mistake into a unique event.

Fifteen years ago, on April 30, 2004, the governor’s office announced, “For the first time in its history, the bridge walk will kick-off with a separate “fun jog” with approximately 300 joggers from around the state.  This new separate element has been added to include Michigan citizens who participate in running events throughout the year and can be true fitness role models to citizens around the state.”  The reframing worked.

A group of 300 joggers were selected during the summer.  One individual was chosen from each of the 83 counties to serve as ambassadors for their county. The remaining 217 joggers were randomly selected by the governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.  I was elated to receive my golden ticket!

When we approached the starting line, the excitement was mounting.  It was Labor Day, a crisp UP morning in St. Ignace and we all wore our officially sanctioned royal blue “Governor Granholm’s Running Mate” branded t-shirt.  The Governor gave us a motivational pep talk and as the sun rose over Mackinac Island to the east, we took off running with her on the first sanctioned run across the bridge.  For the first half, we ran up hill and then we hit the crest.  Next we began the descent and our much faster pace toward Mackinaw City.

Along the way, the path was never straight.  Runners stopped to snap photos of running partners by the bridge’s edge and then ran back to the center to pause for more photos while standing over the green grates, looking at the straits below, which also caused uneasiness to many.  This 5-mile run took more time than any of us had experienced over the same distance, but we were all smiles and energized the entire way.  It was 15-years ago, but the memory of the unique route has never faded.

The now 700-participant run continues and it’s the only chance to run the over the Mackinac Bridge.  If you desire a high-five from the governor, while on a bucket list worthy running experience, try it!  It’s definitely Pure Michigan.

Happy running!

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