Registrants in the Fall Colors Bridge Race were able to meet with "The Biggest Loser" season 7 finalists Mike and Ron Morelli during the race reception in Mackinaw City Friday, October 9. Pictured (from left) are Sharron Prisbe, Mary Dutko, Mike Morelli, Mary Prisbe, and Ron Morelli. Runners from across Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio stretched and warmed up at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace as the sun slowly rose over the Mackinac Bridge Saturday, October 10. The racers approached the starting line by the lakeshore and dashed toward the bridge, sending cloudy puffs of breath into the air. The race across the bridge Saturday hosted 319 runners and marked the first Fall Colors Bridge Race hosted by the Mackinaw City Visitors Bureau.

Crowds cheered as the runners crossed the finish line on the south side of the bridge at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Mackinaw City, many physically spent from a nearly six-mile distance.

Helen Phillips (right), winner of television's "The Biggest Loser" season 7, speaks with Sherry Essenmacher of Bad Axe during the Mackinaw City Fall Colors Bridge Race reception Friday, October 9. Registrants were able to get their pictures taken with Mrs. Phillips and receive autographs while picking up their racing gear. Each runner had a personal reason for taking part in the event. Training was the primary reason for Sam Sharp of Petoskey. A cross-country skier, Mr. Sharp joined the race to condition himself for the upcoming skiing season. Running across the bridge during the morning offered a wonderful view, he said.

"It's beautiful. It's great to have a chance to be on the bridge," Mr. Sharp said.

Others joined the race to challenge themselves. Peggy Salo of Marquette created a personal goal to run across the bridge without stopping. Running up the incline of the bridge was difficult, she said, but she was able to achieve her goal. It was the first time she had ever run so far non-stop.

Runners dash across the Mackinac Bridge during the first Mackinaw City Fall Colors Bridge Race Saturday, October 10. For Tom Ford of Traverse City, exercising is a way of life. Diabetic for 35 years, Mr. Ford exercises to keep himself healthy and joins multiple races each year. The Fall Colors Bridge Race was his ninth race this year. He was able to complete it in approximately 50 minutes.

"I was hoping to run my age and I did," he said.

The view across the lake and of the sun rising over the islands while he was running was breathtaking, he added.

"It was great. Oh my God, what a nice experience," Mr. Ford said.

Kathy Patton of Central Lake participates primarily in triathlons, but had never run across the Mackinac Bridge before. Like many of the other racers, Mrs. Patton was smitten by the view while running into Mackinaw City. Being able to see the sun rise and watching boats approaching from the islands was an impressive sight.

"What a blessing. What an incredible run," she said. "You just can't get it in a car."

After resting from the run, many of the racers entered St. Anthony's for a hot breakfast and a presentation of awards to the top runners in each racing category.

Event coordinator Courtney Kolatski was pleased with the turnout.

"I don't think it could have gone any better," she said. " Everybody seemed very happy."

Helen Phillips and Mike Morelli of "The Biggest Loser" season seven television show are planning to attend next year's fall bridge race, Mrs. Kolatski said.

"We're definitely going to keep 'The Biggest Losers' coming," she said.

Race headquarters may change from St. Anthony's to the ice rink in Mackinaw City next year, she said. Nearly 400 people visited headquarters after the race, and extra space will be needed next year.

The second Fall Colors Bridge Race is scheduled for October 11, 2010. Registration will open Sunday, November 1.