Frank Crabtree of Kawkawlin shows off a vest covered with Mackinac Bridge Walk patches during the 53rd annual walk Monday, September 6. Mr. Crabtree has made the trek 29 times. Sally Ruxton of Cheboygan crossed onto I-75 and began marching south toward Mackinaw City decked out in her bright pink Mackinac Bridge Walk T-shirt Monday, September 6. The large crowds of people, and the sight of the sun breaking through the clouds over the Straits of Mackinac were familiar to Mrs. Ruxton, who walked the Mackinac Bridge this Labor Day for her 51st time.

“It certainly has the Golden Gate Bridge beat,” Mrs. Ruxton said, who began walking the bridge in her 20s. “The Mackinac Bridge is just special.”

Thousands of other walkers crossed the bridge during the 53rd Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk, dedicated to the memory of the bridge's first executive secretary, Lawrence Rubin of St. Ignace. Many visitors from throughout the United States and beyond gathered at the north end of the bridge before dawn, waiting for their chance to walk the Mighty Mac promptly at 7 a.m. Leading the walk was Governor Jennifer Granholm. At 6:45 a.m., she was accompanied by 400 Michigan runners, 12 fitness ambassadors chosen by the governor, and a group of athletes in wheelchairs taking part in the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Run.

Zia Knapp, National Guard staff sergeant, greets people as they walk across the Mackinac Bridge in the 53rd Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk. Volunteers with the National Guard were scattered across the bridge, ensuring people kept moving across the bridge and assisting anyone in need. Mrs. Ruxton has crossed the bridge in all kinds of autumn weather, from cold rain to strong winds. One year the wind was so strong on the bridge she felt like her feet were blown sideways with each step, she recalled.

At left: Sally O'Khuysen of Austin (left) stands beside Sally Ruxton of Cheboygan during the Mackinac Bridge Walk Monday, September 6. Mrs. Ruxton has completed the walk 51 times. “It was just exciting,” she said.

Other years Mrs. Ruxton crossed the bridge with her infant son on her back, and returned several years later to cart her son across in a wagon when the bridge allowed that. With the event in its 53rd year, Mrs. Ruxton enjoys that it has become a tradition for many people.

In her 51 crossings, Mrs. Ruxton has crossed with her grandchildren, cousins, and husbands. Following the walk she returns to Cheboygan, where she participates in the Labor Day State Street Bridge Walk.

Diane Buckness of Coldwater joined the event for her 10th return, looking forward to meeting Governor Granholm. During the walk each year, she takes a photograph of her feet on the green grating of the bridge to prove that she crossed.

At left: Governor Jennifer Granholm asks a throng of thousands of people if they have crossed the bridge at least five times, to which St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin is among those who raise a hand. Observing a gubernatorial tradition, Mrs. Granholm appeared at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge Monday, September 6, to lead the 53rd annual walk. “It's my personal achievement every year. I love it,” she said.

Walking during the bridge's 50th anniversary was the most memorable year, she said, owing to the large crowd.

Doug Telfa of Mattawan and his daughter, Alexa, joined the walk for their second time together. Mr. Telfa, who had the image of the Mackinac Bridge shaved into his hair, explained the event is a good way to mark the end of the summer.

“It's such a beautiful piece of architecture and a way to send off the summer,” Mr. Telfa said.

The Haynes family of Pinckney crossed the Mackinac Bridge together, intent on creating a family tradition. Marching are (from left) Pam Haynes, son Justin Haynes, Jack Haynes, and son Jack Haynes. “I think it's a fun tradition to do every year,” Miss Telfa said.

Bobbie and Bruce Miller of Rockford crossed the bridge this year, marking their fifth walk. The Millers have walked the International Bridge as well as participated in the Grand Rapids bridge walk. Like the Telfas, the Millers see the event as a way to bring a close to the summer.

The sun shone through the clouds for a while in the morning, and a pleasant breeze blew across the crowd as they crossed into Mackinaw City. Thousands began crossing into the village around 8 a.m., passing the finish line and accepting their certificates memorializing their achievement.

Monday's bridge walk saw 42,000 people cross from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City, the Mackinac Bridge Authority reported. Last year, 50,000 people walked the bridge.