Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile
Mackinac Island's Great Turtle Half Marathon offers a scenic island run with a festive, end-of-season celebration.
Race Date
Oct 24, 2026
Location
Mackinac Island, MI
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Location
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5.7 Miles, 13.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 16,732
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Each fall, Mackinac Island transforms into a runner's paradise for the Great Turtle Half Marathon and 5.7 Mile. This iconic event, now celebrating its 30th anniversary, invites participants to experience the island's unique beauty during its final open weekend.
Runners will traverse the island's interior trails and scenic shoreline, taking in the crisp autumn air and stunning natural landscapes. The course is known for its picturesque setting, offering a memorable backdrop for both the half marathon and the 5.7-mile race.
The race promises a festive atmosphere, complete with a commemorative turtle medal, post-race goodies, and a celebratory Halloween-themed event at Mission Point and downtown. With around 1,400 finishers recently, drawing participants from about 33 states, the Great Turtle event is a beloved tradition offering a unique blend of challenging run and island charm.
Race-provided description
Join us for the 2026 Great Turtle Half Marathon and 5.7 Mile - 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. This is the 30th anniversary of this iconic Mackinac Island event! All who register will enjoy a great garment in the Great Turtle tradition, a unique commemorative Turtle medal, goodies after the race and fun festivities! After the race, enjoy Halloween fun at Mission Point and Downtown Mackinac Island for adults and children, great end-of-season sales in the downtown shops, or just spend time enjoying the peace and serenity of the Island's interior!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Start Time
10:45 AM
Giveaway
Classic Great Turtle Garment
Start Location
One Lakeshore Drive, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Park, Lake River
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
Standout7226 years running
~601 finishers a year
growing or steady
10% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 33 states
winner 1:15:51
typical high 51°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
51°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
20 mph
Wind
76%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 16,732 finishers actually crossed the line across 26 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
16,732
Median time
2:17:08
Latest turnout
705
States
47
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile?
The Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile is held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 10:45 AM.
Where does the Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile take place?
It takes place in Mackinac Island, Michigan.
What distances does the Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5.7 Miles, 13.2 Miles.
Is the Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile course flat and good for a PR?
The Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile?
HalfRuns has finish records for 16,732 runners who have completed the Mackinac Island Great Turtle Half Marathon & 5.7 Mile.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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