Sunburst Races

Where is the start line?

All races begin (and end) at the Century Center (specifically on the Jefferson Blvd. Bridge) 
located at 120 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601.

 

How do I get to the start line and avoid traffic closures?

From the East (South Bend & Mishawaka)

• Go west to Ironwood

• Take Ironwood south to Lincolnway E.

• Take Lincolnway E. east into downtown

From the East (Elkhart)

• Go east to Hwy. 20 Bypass to Michigan St. exit

• Take Michigan St. north into downtown

From the West (LaPorte)

• Go east on Western or Lincolnway W. straight into downtown

From the North (Niles)

• Go south on US 933 / Michigan St. straight into downtown

From the South (Plymouth)

• Go north on 31 / Michigan St. straight into downtown

 

Where should I park on race morning?

***THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE CENTURY CENTER FOR PACKET PICKUP OR ON RACE DAY – this is due to the setup of race operations. For parking, please utilize downtown parking – on the street and in the garages. We also have permission from the South Bend Cubs to park in the lot off Western Ave., but it is a small hike to the Century Center (about .5 miles). There is also limited parking at Crowe (follow parking signage/barricades and directions from security).

 

What time do the races begin? 

7:00 am - 5K Run
7:00 am - Half Marathon 
7:35 am - 10K Run 
9:00 am - 5K Fitness Walk 

*Note: the finish line closes at 10:45 am 

In considering your plan for arrival and starting your race, please allow plenty of extra time as Sunburst Races is not responsible for a missed start due to parking, traffic, detours, road closures, or other reasons. Late starts are not allowed. Give yourself an additional 45 minutes to secure parking and getting to the start line. If you need to do anything extra - pick up your bib, transfer events, use the restroom, etc. give yourself a full hour. 

 

Where can I find course maps?

Course maps can be found here. 

 

Are you having pacers in the Half Marathon this year?

Yes, we are. Beast Pacing will provide 2 pacers at each of the following finish times...1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00. To connect with a pacer, simply look for them in the start line chute on race morning. They will be lined up in the corrals of their estimated finish time. 

They will be wearing a Beast Pacing shirt and have their pacer signs held high. For more specific questions, you can email our contact, info@beastpacing.com 
 

Can I register on race day?
Yes - as long as we have not exceeded our participant cap in the event you’d like to run or walk. Give yourself plenty of extra time to complete this process and please be aware there will not be a race shirt available for you (the shirt deadline was May 9). We strongly recommend that participants register before race day - Packet Pickup is a good time to do so. 

For packet pickup and race day registration, we only accept debit/credit cards or Apple pay - no cash, checks or payment via apps such as Venmo.
 
Is there a certain pace I need to maintain? 
Yes – the course closes to runners and reopens to vehicle traffic according to the slowest allowable pace of a 16-minute mile. Aid stations will also close according to that pace. The finish line is the last section of the course to close at 10:45 a.m. Please understand - the course and all runner support close on a rolling basis. If you fall behind the 16-minute pace, you may proceed on the sidewalks at your own risk (course support will not be available) or you may catch a ride to the finish in the Sunburst SAG van. 

Participants of the 5K Fitness Walk do have more time to complete each mile but must finish their walk prior to the finish line closing at 10:45 a.m.  
 

What fluids are provided on the course?
All Aid Stations offer cups of water and lemon-lime Gatorade. Participants may also provide their own hydration. Aid station locations are as follows (they are also noted on our course maps)

Half Marathon
- AS 1/4 (Northside Trail @ 20th) - hit 2x
- AS 2/3 (Northside & 36th) - hit 2x
- AS 5 (Wall St.) - hit 1x
- AS 6 (Sunnyside & South) - hit 1x
- AS 7/8 (St. Louis & Cedar) - hit 2x

10K
- AS 5 (Wall St.) - hit 1x
- AS 6 (Sunnyside & South) - hit 1x
- AS 7/8 (St. Louis & Cedar) - hit 2x

5K Run/Walk 
- AS 6 (Sunnyside & South) - hit 1x

Where can I find bathrooms?
Portable restrooms are available at the start in the Century Center parking lot and at each Aid Station. The location of all portable restrooms is listed on our course maps.  
 
On race day, where can I find medical and first aid help?
Michiana Bike Patrol will be on the course providing basic first-aid needs and supplies (look for individuals on bikes wearing red shirts). Each Aid Station is also staffed with a certified athletic trainer (and first-aid supplies). A full medical tent is available at the start/finish. 

 

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.  If you plan to walk, we highly recommend registering for the 5K Fitness Walk only.  

 

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 other weather officials has the authority to cancel the events if conditions warrant. 

If the race is canceled (“black flagged”) seek shelter where you can. 

 

Will there be professional photographers on the course?
Yes, be prepared to smile for the race photographers. There will be several of them along the course and at the start/finish. If you want to make it on our socials, ham it up! You will receive an email a few days after the race with a link to your free downloadable photos - you are identified by your bib, so be sure you wear it on your FRONT torso. 
 

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers, joggers, wagons and baby carriers are allowed in the 5K Fitness Walk ONLY. No bikes, scooters, skates, rollerblades, etc. are permitted. 

Participants using strollers should line up at the back and be mindful of others and the potential trip hazards that strollers can create.

Young kids (5 and under) do not need to be registered for the 5K Fitness Walk; they can simply join the fun. 

 

Can I use 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 or emergency vehicles. 

 

Will you have gear check available?  

No

 

Do I need to wear my Sunburst race shirt?

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