Great Turtle Trail Run
Mackinac Island, MI
- Half Marathon, 5.7 Miler
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Great Turtle Trail Run is one of the most scenic trail events in the country! Enjoy the beauty of Mackinac Island’s Fall season running and walking the interior trails and shoreline during the last open weekend of the season. All who register will enjoy a great garment in the … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 24):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 48 | 55 | 56 | 64 | 48 |
| L (°F) | 39 | 34 | 46 | 51 | 37 |
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A Challenging and Scenic Half Marathon
I have run this half marathon several times and it is one of my favorites. The weather can be dicey on Mackinac Island around Halloween, but this year and in … MORE
I have run this half marathon several times and it is one of my favorites. The weather can be dicey on Mackinac Island around Halloween, but this year and in the last few years, the weather has been perfect for this race. This year, it was sunny and in the mid-40s, which is ideal running conditions (at least for me).
The course starts with a flat and fast 2.5 miles along M-185 before cutting into the woods. There is a small hill here but it’s pretty flat until mile 3 or so. Then, there is an extended climb between miles 3 and 5 until you get to the airport. It’s rolling hills from there until mile 9 or so, where it is an extended downhill back to M-185 for a flat and fast 2.5 mile finish. The extended climb and rolling hills are challenging, so just be prepared for them. You are rewarded by a beautiful view of downtown Mackinac Island and the lake when you hit the bluffs around mile 7.
Like all Run Mackinac events, this race is impeccably well organized. Packet pickup is fast and efficient, the course is well marked, and the volunteers are helpful and friendly.
Despite it being called a “trail race,” the race isn’t really on any trails aside from some gravel ones. The vast majority of the race is on paved roads and paved bicycle trails, so you can leave your trail shoes at home.
Also, with all due respect to the other poster, the race isn’t until 10:45am. There are several ferries you can catch from the mainland in the morning and make the race on time. This is true for the other Run Mackinac races as well. I never stay on the Island for them because hotel prices are so high. I just stay in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and take a morning ferry over and always have time to spare.
Hilly, beautiful
The race was beautiful. It was hillier than I thought it would be. Be careful, when running in the roads, there is horse poop to avoid. Lol You will need … MORE
The race was beautiful. It was hillier than I thought it would be. Be careful, when running in the roads, there is horse poop to avoid. Lol
You will need to stay in the island the night before because the first ferry would cause you to be late.