Mackinac Island Great Turtle half

My husband and I are headed up with my mom and dad for the weekend.  (Dad doesn't run but mom will do the 5.7 while we do the half).  Rottieguy mentioned it once and said it was fun- I think it'll be a great weekend as long as it doesn't snow!  (heh)

This is one of our favorite races as the island is shutting down for the winter and things aren't all crazy like they can be in summer. We found specials at the bars for food and drinks before heading back to St Ignace after the race, much cheaper rates then you'd fine any other day.

We only did the 5.7 and if we can swing it we'll be heading back again this year to do the 5.7 again, but with the way the kids are doing in football it looks like we could be in a playoff game that weekend. Will no more once we get closer to the date.

The toughest part of the 5.7 is the start as it's straight uphill from Mission Pte, then it's just a gorgeous course. I believe the half hits this same hill around mile 8 from there trail map link. It looks like there's a couple of other good hills on the half course. Either way it's a great course. Nothing wrong with a little walking at times of need, right?

Just hope for nice weather as you never know what to expect up there. We like the St Ignace side just because were more familiar with it and normally stay there. Last time we were there we stayed at a B&B for a summer wedding and liked it enough to consider for yet another return to the area. http://www.boardwalkinn.com/

We've had issues with cell phone reception further north on State St, I believe it was a Days Inn ??? But it's been several years since we stayed there so maybe it's improved.

It was no big deal from St Ignace as there's no one else really going over that time of year, but we left earlier then needed and walked around the island a bit and I think the boats were more limited from St Ignace, but it's been a few years and I have a bad memory at times. The ferries go over rather often, you might be able to search there schedules online to get a better idea:

Sheplers (botched spelling ???)
Arnold Line
Star Line

I believe the race info back then stated there would be lockers near Mission Pte to use for stashing your stuff, I ended up taking a backpack and ended up carrying our extra clothing as all the lockers were taken, as I was a little leary of just leaving my backpack out in the open. That was no big deal on a short 5.7 run, not sure I'd want to do the same for the half. You may want to find out the best way to stash your extra gear.




Edited by rottieguy 2008-09-16 5:53 PM

I ran the half last year. It's a great race and well put together. The hills really aren't that bad. Last year it was raining and windy (about 45 degrees). Some of the trail portions were slippery because there's so much clay. My only complaints were that they only had water on the course and at the end they only had bananas. They may have had more stuff but by the time I finished there were only bananas available.

If you're leaving from the St Ignace side you will have to take the Star Line ferry (they offer a discount too) as that was the only one left open (last year). We took the 8am boat and had plenty of time to wander before the race.

After the race there is good food and discount shopping. Last year there were a lot of kids around town trick or treating since many of the stores try to give away there leftover candy.

It was my first time on the Island during the off season and I enjoyed it much more than during the summer. Go for it!

Anyone have a link to this race? I'm looking for a late season destination half that I can drive to from Chicago with the kids.

This sounds promising.

Ok, I found it.

http://www.runmackinac.com/Mackinac_Island_Great_Turtle.htm

Edited by trithat 2008-09-18 11:11 AM

It would be a bit of a haul, but if the weather's nice- totally worth it!! 

The Great Turtle is a great race! We usually stay on the Island Wednesday through Sunday. Mackinac Island is really a great place when all the tourists are gone!