Tradition returns to Sunburst Races finish line

The 35th annual Sunburst Races, presented by KeyBank, will finish on the 50-yard line inside Notre Dame Stadium, allowing participants the thrill of running onto the field through the same tunnel used by the Irish football team. Race day is Saturday, June 2, 2018. Learn more and register here. Beacon associates: See instructions on the intranet to receive the 20% Beacon discount and to be included on the Beacon Corporate Team.

“The sense of tradition is palpable the moment Sunburst participants exit the tunnel and step onto the field. It gives many runners that final rush of adrenaline they need for a strong finish,” Sunburst Races Director Travis Bladecki said. “We’re thrilled to be back inside Notre Dame Stadium and have special plans for the new video board.”

The Campus Crossroads Project had temporarily relocated the Sunburst finish line to the Notre Dame Irish Green for the past five years.

The Sunburst planning committee is discussing how to best showcase the runners and walkers and the words of encouragement they receive on social media on the stadium’s jumbotron. Participants will also notice a change in the Sunburst T-shirts.

Runners and walkers will be able to choose from royal blue, black or orange Sunburst T-shirts, no matter the event. “We’re not aware of any other race in the region that does this,” Bladecki said. “It’s a unique element we’re adding for our 35th anniversary.”

Registration for Saturday’s main race events, including a 5K Fitness Walk, 5K Run, 10K Run, and Half-Marathon, is now open. Corporate team registration is also open for the Sunburst, which usually attracts close to 10,000 runners. Proceeds will benefit Beacon Children’s Hospital. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ryann DeMoss at rdemoss@beaconhealthsystem.org.

Anyone interested in participating can register online at SunburstRaces.org.