This upcoming Memorial Weekend, runners will have the opportunity to compete in a race across the Mackinac Bridge. The first ever Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race will take place Saturday, May 29, 2004. The first 600 registered runners will have the opportunity to compete and experience a thrill and views unlike any other race in Michigan. "We are excited to kick off the official start of the summer season with a race across the Bridge. It is only fitting. We conclude the summer season with the Mackinac Bridge Walk," comments Brad Jones, Executive Director of the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau. The Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race will be the official 'Kick off to an Active Summer,' a new initiative devised by the Governors Council on Physical Fitness to encourage Michiganders to get out, be active and enjoy the many wonders of Michigan this summer. "Active lifestyles can reduce the incidence and impact of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers," said Marilyn Lieber, President and CEO of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. "Regular physical activity can also help Michigan lower the high cost of health care." Proceeds from the event will benefit the Michigan Fitness Foundation in its mission to improve the health and well-being of the people of Michigan.

The race will begin with check-in at race headquarters in Mackinaw City. Saturday morning runners will be transported to the starting line at Bridgeview Park in St. Ignace and run North to South, finishing the 6- mile race at the new recreation complex in Mackinaw City with an awards breakfast. The registration fee of $30 includes the race, transportation, breakfast, a commemorative gift, and official race apparel. The race will be timed by Gault Race Management using the state of the art ChampionChip technology. Runners may register online at http:// www.mackinawcity.com or by calling 800-750-0160.

Other Memorial Weekend events in Mackinaw City include Michigan's longest Memorial Weekend parade at 1:00p.m. on Saturday, May 29. Guests of Honor are the annual Pageant Queen and her court, floats and bands from around the state. The parade will weave its way through town to Colonial Fort Michilimackinac.

Forty-one years of consecutive performances make the pageant at Colonial Michilimackinac the longest running, free entertainment in the state. Originally written by a professor from Michigan State University, the script has been updated for authenticity and accuracy as research has uncovered new information. The story re-enacts the siege of the fort by the great Ottawa Chief Pontiac. Two major groups provide cast members for the production: the Michilimackinac Voyageurs and the Spirits of the North. Both groups offer demonstrations and competitions throughout the weekend. Cast members include more than a quarter of the population of Mackinaw City. Some current participants were part of the original 1962 cast. The excitement begins at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday (2:30 p.m. on Sunday and Monday) and lasts just over an hour.

The Mackinac Bridge makes an exquisite backdrop for the fireworks display as viewed from Conkling Heritage Park at dusk on Sunday. A Memorial Day Service to remember friends and loved ones takes place on Monday at the Marina Park. Mackinaw City is preparing the perfect weekend to make and share memories.

Additional information / registration on the Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race and other Memorial Day Weekend activities may be obtained through the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau at www.mackinawcity.com or by calling 800-750-0160.