Sunburst Races: What you need to know if you’re running, walking, volunteering or live nearby
Maybe you’ve been training for months, building up your stamina and endurance and are hoping for a personal best. Maybe you will be helping out on the course, handing out water or handing out medals to finishers. Or maybe your favorite part about Saturday will be cheering on the runners.
Sunburst Races are just days away.
Thousands of competitors, volunteers and spectators are expected Saturday, June 4, for the 38th year of the event that raises money for Beacon Children’s Hospital. The Sunburst starts on Lafayette Boulevard near Four Winds Field and finishes on the 50-yard line in iconic Notre Dame Stadium.
“We invite the community to come out and cheer on the participants, make signs, and come inside Notre Dame Stadium to watch them finish,” said Sunburst Races Director Courtney Kipker. “Those who live on the course can set out sprinklers, play music, cheer and draw encouraging messages on the road with sidewalk chalk. It’s such an awesome community event.”
The community now can see the race routes on a map and view a chart that lists the times that each street is planned to be closed. Most closures last for about two hours.
About 4,000 participants will be walking or running in the Sunburst, and it’s not too late to register. In fact, those who make up their minds at the last minute can still register to participate until 15 minutes before each race begins.
Race times announced
Here are Saturday’s scheduled race times:
- 6:30 a.m. — Half Marathon
- 7:10 a.m. — 10K race
- 7:45 a.m. — 5K race
- 8 a.m. — 5K race (untimed) and Fitness Walk
Volunteers still needed
It’s also not too late to volunteer. Sunburst organizations still could use helping hands inside the stadium finish area. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt to wear and take home.
Volunteer activities include:
- Welcoming and directing spectators
- Assisting in the Corporate Team/VIP area
- Directing participants on the field and in the concourse
- Handing out medals
- Assisting at the shuttles
Did you know?
- Race participants can pick up packets on Friday, June 3, at the Century Center in downtown South Bend.
- Sunburst Races is certified by the United States of America Track and Field governing body on all courses, drawing competitors from around the nation and world.
- The minimum age for participation in the 5K or 10K is six years of age, and Half Marathon participants must be at least 10. No strollers, joggers, wagons or baby carriers are allowed.
