2019 Race Results & Photos

The Mighty Mac Swim  is an epic 4-mile swim across the beautiful Straits of Mackinac

between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, alongside the iconic Mackinac Bridge. 

This celebrated annual event is both challenging and awe-inspiring! 

   

Internationally sanctioned by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) and a member of the

Global Swim Series (GSS), the Mighty Mac Swim has been placed prominently on the world stage. 

 

The Mighty Mac swim is held as a competition, but whether or not you wish to race, everyone who makes it

across the Straits of Mackinac is indeed a champion!  Make no mistake, this is a “bucket-list” experience!

Mighty Mac Swimmers Are Pioneers

 

                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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As recently as 2007, there were no more than 20 documented swims across the Straits of Mackinac.  Then on Labor Day of that year, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge, 50 made the crossing all at once as part of the first Mighty Mac Swim.  Incredible!  Now, starting in 2019, four hundred swimmers will challenge the Straits of Mackinac in the Mighty Mac Swim each year! 

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Oh, how we have grown!  Oh, how we have broken down barriers! 

 

If you complete the Mighty Mac Swim, you are indeed a PIONEER!

The Straits of Mackinac is Open for Swimmers!

 

Once open to only a select few, the Mighty Mac Swim now safely

accommodates a maximum of 400 swimmers for just a $375 entry fee. 

It has been said that we have set a new industry-wide standard for safety in

an otherwise often treacherous open water venue.

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We encourage you to first read what you Need to Know, then sign up for the

adventure by clicking the REGISTER  button below or on any page header.

  

Here is What You Get!

 

• The pride & satisfaction of completing a true “bucket list” swim.  Induction into the Mighty Mac Swim Hall of Fame if you complete this achievement more than once.

• Unique and coveted trophies, designed to be symbolic of the two historic 18th century forts in the Straits area (Fort Michilimackinac & Fort Mackinac), and induction into the Mighty Mac Swim Hall of Fame for top three male and female finishers.  Overall champions are invited back the following year for free to defend their titles.  Handsome age-group

​       medals (3 deep, male & female) and Mighty Mac Swim Hall of Fame recognition for multi-time age-group award recipients.  Finisher’s

           medals for all who reach Michigan’s upper peninsula. 

• Pre-swim cruise aboard Star Line’s Ottawa to the Mackinac Bridge and a 6-foot jump from the ferry deck.  This experience is topped only by the swim itself!

• A patriotic send-off for you and our Veteran Swim Team you will not forget

• Participation in the Mighty Mac Swim earns you points toward world recognition in the Global Swim Series!

• Mighty Mac Swim athletic jersey (You can only earn a jersey through participating in the Mighty Mac Swim.  These will never be for sale.  Other merchandise is available for purchase in our Shop).

• Mighty Mac Swim latex cap

• USCG rescue whistle   

• Finish line refreshments (traditional Northern Michigan favorites)  

• Entertainment in conjunction with packet pick-up & informational meeting (to be announced) 

• Download great photos of your Mighty Mac Swim experience from our Facebook page 

• Downloadable sample training schedule and strategy  

• Membership in the Mighty Mac Swim Facebook Group & Mighty Mac Swim STRAVA Club to network and share your workouts with other Mighty Mac swimmers.  Join for free.       

• Steep discounts on Aquaman wetsuits, open water buoy/dry bags and other swim accessories 

• Discounted lodging 

• Special offers from area attractions

• Saturday night fireworks over the water in St. Ignace.  We can’t take credit for this one, but you will enjoy it!

                                                        Swim with “The Shark”

 

                                                                                                   When the organizer of your swim happens to be a world record athlete, it presents some

                                                                                                   fun and interesting opportunities!  On designated Saturdays during the summer, Jim “The

                                                                                                   Shark” Dreyer will meet all interested swimmers at Lake Michigan beaches in West Michigan

                                                                                                   for open water group training swims.  Just look for the Mighty Mac Swim canopy set up on

                                                                                                   the beach.  The Mighty Mac Swim Facebook page, Facebook Group and the Mighty Mac Swim

                                                                                                   STRAVA Club will keep you updated on the summer group swim schedule.  If you are a Finhead 

                                                                                                   in West Michigan, won’t you join us?!