Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge

Event Overview

Join us on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 for a unique event celebrating Fort Holmes and Fort Mackinac on Historic Mackinac Island to help support the efforts of Mackinac Historic State Parks! Now in its 9th year, this challenging 5 mile race is for runners and walkers of all ages and is always one to remember! Start inside Fort Mackinac to run or walk through beautiful, paved trails, past historic Island landmarks to Fort Holmes—the highest point of the Island—then travel back on the scenic paved trails to finish at Fort Mackinac!

Participant Benefits

• Free Entry: All participants will receive free entry to Fort Mackinac and other Mackinac Island attractions throughout the day.
• Souvenirs: Participants will receive a great shirt and a unique burnt wood medal!

Race Details

• Start Time: Traditional 9:00 a.m. mass start inside Fort Mackinac!
• Packet Pick-up: Will be in the Pavilion, outside Fort Mackinac starting at 7:30AM to 9:00AM on race day.

Ferry Discount

• Special Rate: Shepler's Ferry is offering Fort2Fort participants, along with their friends and family, a special discounted rate of $32/adult and $21/child (plus a $2 booking fee per ticket).
• Booking: Purchase your ferry ticket(s) for the Fort2Fort by going directly to Shepler's Ferry.
• Discount Codes: At checkout, use code 05FORT26 for adult tickets and childracer2026 for child tickets. Both codes can be used in the same transaction.

Series Participation

The Fort2Fort Five Mile is part of the Mackinac Island Trio Series! Register and complete either the Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge or the Lilac Festival 10K, and both the Mackinac Island Eight Mile and Great Turtle Trail Run, and you will receive a special Mackinac Island Trio Series medal. This will be a separate medal from the other finisher’s medal and will be awarded following the Great Turtle Half Marathon.

Virtual Run Option

Can't make it to the Island on May 9th, but want to support the MHSP? Join us in the 2026 Virtual Run! You will receive the bib, shirt, medal and free Fort Mackinac pass via USPS, and can upload your virtual race time to the results page.

Registration Link

For more information and to register, please visit the race page: Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge.