FAQs - Start Line & On-Course
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)
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Go west to Ironwood
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Take Ironwood south to Lincolnway E.
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Take Lincolnway E. east into downtown
From the East (Elkhart)
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Go east to Hwy. 20 Bypass to Michigan St. exit
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Take Michigan St. north into downtown
From the West (LaPorte)
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Go east on Western or Lincolnway W. straight into downtown
From the North (Niles)
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Go south on US 933 / Michigan St. straight into downtown
From the South (Plymouth)
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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
