April 29, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the 48th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk will once again be kicked-off by a “fun run” with approximately 300 runners.
 
“Just as our two peninsulas are linked by the beautiful Mighty Mac, we now connect runners and walkers to symbolize that all physical activity efforts are important for creating a healthier Michigan,” Granholm said. “Whether they have trained to participate in the running events or have made the bridge walk a family tradition, participants can be true fitness role models for citizens across the state.”
 
While the run precedes the larger walk, the bridge walk remains a family event to help celebrate the valued role of the labor community, the hard work of the men and women who constructed the Mackinac Bridge, and all that unions continue to do for the state of Michigan.
 
Those interested in taking part in the fun run must register by June 29 and have participated in a Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness (GCPF)-endorsed event.  Participants can find a complete list of endorsed events and register through the GCPF website at www.michiganfitness.org.  The 300 runners will be randomly selected by the GCPF, and one ambassador will be selected to represent each county in Michigan from those who qualify for the event.  The run is not timed. 

Except for those pre-qualified, pre-registered participants, no other running will be permitted on the bridge. Participants taking part in the traditional bridge walk do not need to register.

“The Governor’s Council is pleased to be part of this Labor Day event,” said Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. “For many years, the Mackinac Bridge Walk has provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of physical activity in our lives.  The addition of runners to lead the way for thousands of walkers adds another element to this long-standing and exciting tradition.”

The first Mackinac Bridge Walk took place June 28, 1958, when former Governor G. Mennen Williams led 65 walkers across the bridge. Last year, approximately 46,000 people participated in walk.  The bridge walk will begin at approximately 7:00 a.m. The Mackinac Bridge Authority provides complete information about the bridge walk on its website at www.mackinacbridge.org