Event Info
Ötillö Mackinac Island

Updated September 2024

Full event info Otillo Mackinac Island. This takes place in Lake Huron, near Michigan, in the USA.

Mackinac Island is as rich in history as it is in beauty. Located just north-east of the Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac Island offers a unique opportunity for both family and friends to experience a race weekend like never before.

Mackinaw City's downtown area (on the mainland) offers a variety of things to do for people of all ages and trails and waters around this pristine island offer a vast playground for swimrunners looking to stretch their legs on a course that's challenging and breathtakingly beautiful.

As cars are banned on the island, the only transport is by foot, bicycle, or horse and carriage. The whole island is around 4 square miles, so it's easy to get around.

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Garmin Swim 2 GPS Watch

Event Info Ötillö Mackinac Island

The swimrun event at Mackinac Island was originally run by Odyssey. Odyssey was acquired by Ötillö in 2023, and the event is now run by Ötillö Swimrun USA.

Below is a cool car registration plate owned by Aaron Palaian of Odyssey, promoting the sport of swimrun; Aaron's main goal was to remember his car plate number - but promoting the sport was an added bonus!

Image credit: Aaron Palaian of Odyssey

Location

Mackinac Island, which is in Lake Huron, in the Great Lakes of the USA. At just 4 square miles, you can get around the entire island easily.

How to get there

There are several airports, depending on where you are coming from.

On the north peninsula there is Chippewa County International Airport (CIU), and Mackinac County airport (83D). From these airports you can get to St. Ignace ferry dock for the ferry to Mackinac Island.

On the south peninsula there is Pellston Regional airport (PLN), which allows you to travel to Mackinaw City, and the ferry to Mackinac Island.

There is also a small airport on Mackinac Island itself!

Please be aware that the Mackinac Bridge does NOT go to Mackinac Island; it connects the Lower Peninsula with the Upper Peninsula.

If you are staying overnight on the mainland for Sunday’s race, a special charter ferry will be available to take you to the start line in the morning. The ferry leaves Shepler’s dock at exactly 6:00 AM bound for Mackinac Island.

Don’t miss the 6:00 AM boat, as the next public ferry to the island departs long after the race starts!

Boarding begins about 15 minutes before departure, and the trip across takes 16 minutes. Restrooms are available at both the mainland ferry terminal and on the island dock upon arrival.

A swimrun athlete with a yellow float walks down a dock walkway at Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island jetty

Where to stay

Ötillö has NOT made any arrangements or negociated any discounts at any accommodation. The best location to stay the night before the race in in Mackinaw City, because you can collect you race packet the day before, and then get the 6:00am ferry on race day.

No matter where you are staying, you should pick up your race packet at the Mackinaw City Reception and Conference Center the day before the race. There is also an option to collect your race packet on the day, at the start/finish area.

Race distances

There are 3 race distances, the Experience, the Sprint, and the World Series.

Experience is a short intro event, with a total distance of 11.2 km. Of that, 1.35 km is swimming, and 9.8 km is running. Total elevation is 335 metres.
Sprint is a medium-distance event, with a total distance of 22.8 km. Of that, 2.95 km is swimming, and 19.85 km is running. Elevation gain is a significant 417 metres.
The World Series event is the big one - covering 30.14 km, made up of 4.95km swimming and 25.185 km of running. Total elevation is a steep 474 metres.

Race routes

Start & Finish:
The start area is next to the ferry terminal. The Finish line is next to Fort Mackinac.

Bag drop
If you have a small change of clothes bag, feel free to bring it with you to the island – you can drop it off at the luggage carts at the starting line, which is on the dock just a few feet from where the ferry unloads. Remember, the bag drop is not guarded!

Experience route map

Sprint route map

Otillo Swimrun Mackinac Island World Series Route map

World Series distance route map

Event Info Ötillö Mackinac Island

Energy stations

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.

No cups are available on course; you must bring your own collapsible cup or soft silicone bottle.

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.

Cut-off times

All distances have the same safety cut-offs: