April 30, 2004

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that a new element has been added to the 47th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day, Monday, September 6. 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.

"We hope that this year’s bridge walk will be a celebration of health across the state, as well as a promise to continue to strive for a healthier Michigan in years to come," said Granholm. "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."

While this new element has been added, the bridge walk remains a family walking event to help celebrate the labor community and the hard work that the men and women invested in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge and the hard work that they continue to do for the State of Michigan.

The group of 300 joggers will be divided by county and one individual will be selected to serve as ambassadors for their county. The remaining 217 joggers will be randomly selected by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness (GCPF). Those interested in participating in the fun jog must have pre-qualified in a GCPF-endorsed event prior to Labor Day. They must also pre-register through the GCPF website at www.michiganfitness.org . The jog is not a timed race. Except for those pre-qualified, pre-registered joggers, no other running will be permitted on the bridge. Participants who are attending to take part in the traditional 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 perspective to this long-standing and exciting tradition."

This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Mackinac Bridge construction. Construction began on May 7, 1954. The first bridge walk took place June 28, 1958, when former Governor G. Mennen Williams led 65 walkers across the Mackinac Bridge. Last year, approximately 58,000 people participated in the walk.

The 47th annual bridge walk will begin at approximately 7:00 a.m. There will be no registration for joggers at the bridge.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority organizes and coordinates the bridge walk every year. Complete information may be found on its website at www.mackinacbridge.org

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