Sunburst Races - South Bend

Are strollers allowed?

No, due to safety concerns, including but not limited to - trip hazards, the merging of all runners/walkers on course and the tunnel/finish at Notre Dame Stadium, absolutely NO strollers, joggers, wagons, baby wraps, carriers, etc. are allowed. The minimum age of participation in the 5K (both the run and the walk) is 6 years of age (on race day). Every participant must be registered and must wear their bib. Any participant without a bib will be denied access to enter Notre Dame Stadium. 

Can I run with headphones?

Yes – but please be careful doing so. Be sure that you can hear your surroundings, including announcements and instructions from police and other race personnel, etc. 

Instead of running, can I walk the half marathon, 10K run, or 5K run?

The course closes on a 16-minute mile. If you were to walk any of these events (at any point in the race) slower than a 16-minute mile, all course support would end. Streets reopen to vehicular traffic based on a 16-minute mile. Runners behind pace may only continue on sidewalks at their own risk (course support will not be available) or they may catch a ride to the finish in the Sunburst SAG van. Bottom line...if you plan to walk, we recommend you register for the 5K Fitness Walk. 

What kinds of fluids are on the course?

All Water Stops will offer cups of water and Gatorade. Participants may also provide their own hydration. For Half Marathon participants, GU will be available at Water Stop #3 (at the Mishawaka Riverwalk). 

Where can I find bathrooms?

Port-a-Potties will be available at the Start in the South Bend Cubs Performance Center parking lot and near various water stops. The location of all portable restrooms is listed on our course maps.  

Where should the bib be placed?

On your front side, on the torso area.

Do I need to wear my Sunburst race shirt?

No – you certainly can and many do, but you are free to run in whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Will there be photography on the course?

Yes – be prepared to smile for the race photographers! There will be several of them along the course. You will receive an email a few days after the race with a link to your free photos.

Will you have gear check available?  

No, we will not. 

Where can I find medical and first aid help?

Michiana Bike Patrol will be on the course with first-aid needs (look for individuals on bikes wearing red vests). Each water stop will also be staffed with a certified athletic trainer (and first-aid supplies). A full medical tent is available at the finish.

Please write an emergency contact phone number on the back of your bib, any allergies, and medications you are currently taking. Inform family or friends of your bib number as this will assist in the location of participants in distress.

What happens if I’m on the course and the race is canceled due to severe weather?

Sunburst Races will be canceled due to, but not limited to, the following weather conditions - tornado warning, tornado watch, thunderstorm, lightning, or dangerously high temperatures. The Sunburst Medical Director determines race conditions and, in accordance with local law enforcement and officials at the University of Notre Dame, has the authority to cancel the events if conditions warrant. 

If the race is canceled (“black flagged”) seek shelter where you can or report to the nearest water stop. Shuttles will head to each water stop to pick up runners and take them back to either Four Winds Field or Notre Dame.

Where can I find course maps?

Course maps are posted here and are displayed on large easels at Packet Pickup and the Start.

Where is the start line?

All races begin at Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, near the Performance Center, located at: 525 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN  46601

What time do the races begin? 

Half Marathon  @ 6:30 am
10K Run @ 7:10 am  
5K Run @ 7:45 am 
5K Fitness Walk @ 8:00 am
Note: the finish line closes at 10:05 am 

In thinking about your plan for arrival and starting your race, please allow plenty of extra time for detours, parking, entrance into runner-only areas, use of restrooms, etc. Road closures begin on race morning by 6:15am and will very likely affect your drive to the Start. Plan ahead! Sunburst Races is not responsible for a missed start and late starts are not allowed. 

Here is the schedule of street closures (all times are approximate).

Where should I park on race morning?

On race morning, parking will be available on Taylor Street, Western Avenue, downtown South Bend parking garages (rates may apply) and in the South Bend Cubs open game day lots (excluding the 1st Source Bank Performance Center lot).
View our parking map here

How early should I arrive?

If you have picked up your packet and bib prior to race morning, we recommend arriving a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of your race. Should you need to pick up your packet, use the restroom, switch to a different event, etc. – definitely allow extra time.

Are you having pacers in the Half Marathon this year?

Yes, we are. You can talk with a pacer during Packet Pickup on Friday, June 3 from 12:00 pm-6:00 pm.