ST. IGNACE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Mackinac Labor Day Walk hosted by the Mackinac Bridge Authority boasted one of the largest gatherings in recent years, with an estimated 26,000 participants in this year’s walk.

The annual bridge walk has taken place since 1958 – with the exception of the 2020 walk which was canceled due to the COVID pandemic. It has attracted walkers and runners from all over the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

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Without the presence of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, her second in command led the walk. Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II and those participating in the Governor’s Council were the first to cross the five mile bridge starting in St. Ignace to Mackinaw City.

This year’s bridge walk saw 5,000 more participants than the walk last year. Before the Bridge Walk, several hundred people took part in the Mackinac Bridge Run. As of Aug. 25 the Mackinac advertised for the remaining 25 spots of the 700 available spots of the Mackinac Bridge Run event.

Runners who registered before July 31 were guaranteed a race shirt in their size, and all runners were guaranteed a finisher medal, finish line photos, as well as a custom race bib.

“We’re so glad to have had 26,000 people from across Michigan and beyond join us for this beloved event on such a perfect day,” said Mackinac Bridge Authority Bridge Director Kim Nowack in a press release.

“As anyone who has walked the bridge knows, we see so many sunny smiles and happy faces during the walk, and that was certainly what we observed this morning.”