Mackinac ISLAND, USA

HORSES & CARRIAGES

Athletes must respect the horses on the roads and pathways or risk disqualification. This may mean slowing, walking, stopping, etc at times to accommodate horse crossings, passing. tight areas, and more. Please always be aware and always give horses and carriages plenty of room and consideration.

OTHER TRAFFIC

All athletes that are on the open roads and trails must adhere to the rules of the road. Share the road, stay to the right, yield to oncoming traffic and be aware of others, especially passing bikes. Those that are found in violation will risk penalty or even disqualification.

TRANSPORTATION

Before and after the event please note that Mackinac Island does not allow motorized vehicles (with the exception of fire/EMS). Your own two feet, bicycle, and horse are the main modes of transportation on the island.

We do not have an officially scheduled awards ceremony, we give our awards out as the winners cross the finish line. 

top 3 awards – World Series & Sprint Teams:

• All Male Teams
• All Female Teams
• Mixed Teams

top 3 awards – World Series & Sprint Solos:

• Male Solos
• Female Solos

All distances have the same safety cut-offs:

• 09:10 Arch Rock

We have a cut-off time at Arch Rock because that’s when the horse tours start in that area. This time has always been more than enough and has never been an issue. 

Mainland Ferry – Shepler’s Mackinac Island

Address: 556 E Central Ave, Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Race Morning – Mainland Parking ($15/day)

Shepler’s Day Parking Lot: 311 S Nicolet St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701

• You must now pay $15 for this parking. This can be done at checkout when you buy your ferry tickets.

• Complimentary shuttle runs to/from the dock. You can also walk/run, it’s not far but plan for extra time to do so.

• Payment options:

  1. Pre-pay online (fastest)

  2. QR code purchase on arrival

  3. Ticket office at the dock

Race Morning – Ferry Loading / Departure

• Special charter ferry for athletes: 6:00 AM sharp from Shepler’s dock.

• Boarding: 5:45 AM; trip: 16 minutes.

• Restrooms available at dock and island.

• Small bags can be dropped at luggage carts near the start line.

BUY your parking & ferry Ticket(s)

• General tickets outside of the special race morning ferry are valid anytime; general ferries run frequently (15–30 min wait).

• Roundtrip requires QR code/ticket stub both ways.

• Discount codes:

   

  • General travel: Use in-cart code “OTILLOSR25“

  • Race morning 6:00 AM athlete boat: Purchase a normal ferry general use ticket but enter in-cart code “AMBOAT82425“ (athletes & spectators) to mark your ticket purchase for our race morning boat. 

Buy Parking & Ferry Tickets

WANT TO SEE ALL THESE PLACES ON ONE MAP? CLICK HERE

Packet Pickup (Mainland – Mackinaw City)

Mackinaw Reception & Conference Center
at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
600 W Central Ave
Mackinaw City, MI 49701

MAP/DIRECTIONS  – CONFERENCE CENTER

Race Morning Parking (Mainland – Mackinaw City)

Shepler’s Day Parking Lot
311 S Nicolet St
Mackinaw City, MI 49701

MAP/DIRECTIONS  – SHEPLER’S DAY PARKING

RACE MORNING Ferry to the Island (Mainland – Mackinaw City)

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
556 E Central Ave
Mackinaw City, MI 49701

MAP/DIRECTIONS  – SHEPLER’S MAINLAND DOCK

Start Line (Mackinac Island)

Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Dock
7451 Lake Shore Dr
Mackinac Island, MI 49757

MAP/DIRECTIONS  – SHEPLER’S ISLAND DOCK

Finish Line & Post Race (Mackinac Island)

Next to Fort Mackinac
Outside the fort, far east side, look for a pavilion with restrooms.
Coordinates – 45°51’10.6″N 84°36’57.8″W

MAP/DIRECTIONS  – NEAR FORT MACKINAC

In the event of severe weather like lightning, flooding, or hurricane force winds, we will delay the event in 20-minute increments. If the weather does not improve, we will assess the situation every 20 minutes to ensure the event can still take place in some form. Our priority is the safety of our athletes, and any decisions made during severe weather will be in their best interest.

Mandatory YouTube Race Briefing (2024 & 2025)

MANDATORY – RACE PROVIDED

• Swim Cap – Color coded to the event distance.
• Number Bib (OSFA) – Each team has matching bib numbers color coded to the event distance.
• Restube (Solo Racers Only) – Auto inflating personal flotation device (emergencies only)
     Please return at the finish line. Athletes may also use their own auto inflating or tow-behind buoy (instead), if they would like.
• Timing Chip & Ankle Strap (1 Per Team, 1 Per Solo Racer)
     It does not matter which teammate wears the timing chip. Please return at the finish line.

MANDATORY – ATHLETE PROVIDED

• Shoes – To be worn the entire race. Look for a light shoe with support, lots of grip, and good drainage.
• Wetsuit – We recommend a Swimrun style wetsuit but any wetsuit is allowed. Please do not email us asking if a wetsuit is truly mandatory. It’s on this list, it’s mandatory for everyone.
• Whistle – One per team. If you’re a solo athlete there’s a whistle built into your Restube ripcord.
• Compression Bandage One per team. One per solo racer. We race in remote areas. This is required so that if you get cut and no one is around you can attempt to stop the bleeding. CLICK HERE to see how to use it.
• Tether One per team. This is a precaution in the case of bad weather OR becomes mandatory if you find yourself separating from your teammate during the swim.

DAY-BEFORE PACKET PICKUP LOCATION

Mackinaw Reception & Conference Center
at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
600 W Central Ave
Mackinaw City, MI 49701

DAY-BEFORE PACKET PICKUP DATE & TIMES

SATURDAY, AUG 24, 2024

• 13:00 – 14:00 – Sprint & Experience Pickup
• 14:00 – 15:00 – World Series Course Pickup
• 15:00 – 16:00 – Any Distance Can Pickup

PACKET PICKUP RULES

• It is mandatory to pick up your race packet the day before at the conference center/church. 
• We prefer that everyone picks up their own packet the day before the race and that teams come together during this time, we understand that this may not always be possible. Therefore, we allow one team member to pick up an entire team packet, as well as family members and friends to pick up packets for racers, as long as they have the registrant’s permission and a valid ID.
• To make the check-in process quick and easy, please show your QR code at the packet pickup. We will email this to each racer the week of the event. Each QR code is specific to your registration. If you do not have your QR code, you can check in with a photo ID. You do not need to show a USA Triathlon Membership card, even though this is a USAT sanctioned event.

Can’t Pickup Your Packet the Day Before?

If you are unable to pick up your packet the day before the race, you have one more option. You can choose to pick it up on race morning by selecting “Race Morning Packet Pickup” during registration or by adding it to your RunSignup account later. This option is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who choose and pay for this option will have a pre-stuffed bag with their name on it ready for them before the race. Depending on the event, this pickup may be available before boarding a ferry to the start, or it may be at the common start/finish area. The add-on is per person, so each person on a team must select this add-on during or after they registration.

ALREADY REGISTERED AND NEED TO ADD-ON RACE MORNING PICKUP? – CLICK HERE

PACKET PICKUP ITEMS

The following items are given to each racer at packet pickup:

• Apparel Item
• Swim Cap
• Collapsable Cup
• Number Bib
• Timing Chip & Ankle Strap
  • It doesn’t matter which teammate wears it. Please return at the end of the race.
• Rest Tube (Solo Only)
  • Please return at the end of the race.

AIRPORT OPTIONS

Michigan Airport Options- All options include a 30min-4hr drive to Mackinaw City. The further the airport you fly into, the cheaper the flights.

• Pellston Regional –  PLN  30-min drive from PLN to Mackinaw City.
• Chippewa County International Airport  CIU  – 45min drive from CIU to Mackinaw City.
• Cherry Capital Airport –  TVC  (Traverse City) 2-hour drive from TVC to Mackinaw City.
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport  GRR  (Grand Rapids) – 3.5-hour drive from GRR to Mackinaw City.
• Detroit Metro Airport –  DTW  4-hour drive from DTW to Mackinaw City.

Charter flights directly on/off-island & throughout the region are available by directly contacting any of the businesses listed below for information:

• Fresh Air Aviation Inc. (Charlevoix/St. Ignace, MI) 906-285-6727
• Island Airways (Beaver Isl./Charlevoix, MI) 800-524-6895
• North Country Aviation Inc. (Gaylord, MI) 800-959-1829

Accommodations

• We do not provide event lodging or offer discounts on any local accommodations. There are many hotels and B&Bs on the mainland and island. Book early because most lodging sells out far in advance.

FERRY TO MACKINAC ISLAND – FROM THE MAINLAND (MACKINAW CITY)

• Please see “Ferry (Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island)” in this accordion section. There’s enough info it warrants it’s own section.

RACE AREA

• CLICK HERE to access our live site map. This map will display pins for all the important addresses listed above, but it will not include the course maps. The course maps are only available on each event’s page.

RESTROOMS

• There are several permanent restroom facilities located on the course. Portable restrooms are not provided for the event, but there are indoor restrooms available at the start and finish line areas.

Bag drop

• You may place your change of clothes bag on race designated luggage cart (we provide) on the docks at the starting line and we will ensure it reaches the finish line. We advise against putting any high-value or important items such as keys, wallet, electronics, etc., in these bags. While we have never had any issues with anyone tampering with the bags, we do not oversee their handling. Athletes are responsible for checking in and claiming their own bags based on an honor system, and we cannot be held liable for any damage, loss, or theft of property.

POST RACE FOOD & DRINK

• All finishers will have access to post race food and drink near the finish line area.

WE DO NOT ALLOW:

• Refunds on your race entry.
• Transfers of solo or full team entries to completely different athletes. As a team you’re allowed to swap out your teammate as long as one original member stays on the team.

WE DO ALLOW:

• Transferring to another ÖTILLÖ USA race within the same calendar year.
• Deferring to next year’s race.
• Changing teammates.
• Changing from team to solo.
• Changing distances.
• Splitting a team entry into two solo entries.
• Combining two solo entries into one team entry.
• Refunds on add-ons like wetsuits, race morning packet pickup, and spectator boat tickets as long as they are requested more than a week prior to the race.

How-To Make Changes to Your Registration

Racers have the ability to change events, transfer to a different race, or defer their entry if they would like. It’s as simple as logging into your RunSignup account and making the change(s) yourself. If you don’t know how to do it, checkout the short RunSignup tutorials below:

• How-To CHANGE EVENTS – CLICK HERE
• How-To DEFER TO NEXT YEAR – CLICK HERE
• How-To TRANSFER RACES – CLICK HERE
• How-To CHANGE BASIC INFO – CLICK HERE

All racers are required to wear a wetsuit during the swim. We suggest using a Swimrun wetsuit rather than a full-body triathlon style wetsuit because Swimrun wetsuits are lighter, more flexible, and easier to run in without overheating. However, any type of wetsuit is acceptable.

For those who do not own a wetsuit and prefer not to purchase one, we have a limited number of Ark Sports rental wetsuits available. These suits can be rented as an add-on during registration, or you can add them later by logging into your RunSignup account and editing your registration to include the rental suit.

ALREADY REGISTERED AND NEED TO ADD-ON A RENTAL WETSUIT? – CLICK HERE

If you have rented a wetsuit, you can pick it up during packet pickup. We may not have extra suits available for rent if you have not reserved one in advance, so please plan accordingly. If you rented a wetsuit and have opted for race morning packet pickup, your wetsuit will be available at that time.

After the race, please remember to remove any items from the wetsuit pockets and return it to the wetsuit tub at the finish line.

• Please be courteous on the roads and trails. Remember, all roads and trails are open, and Mackinac Island attracts many tourists at different times of the day. When crossing, be sure to look both ways, and when running, stay to the right to allow others to pass and share the roads and trails.
• Beware of the horses. During the summer months, the island is home to over 600 horses. You will see these horses pulling carts and carriages all over the island. Although they are accustomed to people and various movements, they can still get startled. Please be cautious when you are near them and make sure to give them plenty of space. This includes refraining from sudden movements and stopping to let them pass if necessary.
• Please respect the residents. Mackinac Island is home to 600 permanent residents. It is a special privilege to be allowed to race in their backyards. Please help us have a race that lasts for decades by being joyful, respectful, kind, and courteous while visiting their island.
• Minors who are under the age of 18 must obtain permission from the race director before signing up. They also need their parents to sign them up.
• Mandatory gear is required and may be checked at any time during the race. Participants without the mandatory gear will be disqualified.
• Teams must have a tether with them at all times, but are only required to be tethered together under certain conditions:
  • if they want to
  • if they continuously separate during swims
  • if the race organizers announce that all teams must be tethered due to weather conditions.
• Teams must stick together at all times, and leaving a teammate behind is not allowed.
• Participants must stay on the marked course at all times. Going off course and returning to it is not allowed.
• Littering is prohibited, and participants should dispose of their trash in designated areas or with event volunteers.
• It is the responsibility of each individual participant to come to the start line fully prepared.This includes familiarizing themselves with all event information provided on the website, in emails, and in videos.

Volunteers are the backbone of the race. We could not do what we do for the athletes, without volunteers. We are always in need of volunteers that are ready and willing to help with various positions during race weekend. All registered volunteers receive a t-shirt, and meal after their shift concludes. All volunteers must register via our system and check in and out for their shift. Some volunteer positions even have stipends associated with them and groups that volunteer and identify themselves as such will be eligible for a donation.

READY TO VOLUNTEER? – CLICK HERE

Every water stop will be equipped with a minimum of two coolers.

• One cooler will contain regular water.
• The other cooler will be filled with Precision Hydration electrolyte-infused water. You can identify this cooler by the “PH” marking on its top.
• Additionally, most, if not all, water stops will have a bucket or container holding PH gels.

Please ensure that any trash you have is disposed of in the designated trash bag, typically tied to the handle of one of the water coolers. Leaving trash on the course or failing to use the trash bags will result in immediate disqualification and a ban from all future races.