Sunburst Races

Sunburst Races presented by KeyBank, will once again kick off summer in The Bend! Race day is officially set for Saturday, May 30, 2026.  

We are proud to offer events for all fitness levels, including a half marathon, 10K run, 5K run, and a 5K fitness walk. Strollers, joggers, wagons, and baby carriers are allowed in the 5K Fitness Walk only. No bikes, scooters, skates, rollerblades, or similar items are permitted in any event due to safety/trip hazards. 

For kids who want to walk or run, the minimum age for participation in the 5K or 10K is 6 years of age (on race day) and the minimum age for participation in the half marathon is 10 years of age (on race day). All kids, ages 6 and up, who are participating must be registered. 

All events start and finish at the Century Center. There will be a beer garden for those 21 and older (ID required) and a family fun zone with activities for our youngest Sunburst-ers. 

All race proceeds and donations will continue to benefit Beacon Children's Hospital.

To grow our impact and reach even more children and families, we offer participant fundraising through RunSignup. There is no obligation to raise funds, but if you feel called to the mission, you have an opportunity to do so. With participants able to fundraise, we have the potential to make an incredible impact! With the tools that RunSignup provides, it's a simple and seamless process.  
 

Packet Pickup Information

Participants have 2 options to get their full packets (bib and shirt). These include: picking up in person (or having someone pick up for them) at Packet Pickup on Friday, May 29 at the Century Center from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. or by selecting the mailing option when registering for the race (the mailing option is available until May 8).  

For race morning pickup, ONLY BIBS are guaranteed at the information tent.

Sunburst is a special community event with a rich history; many participants (and volunteers) join us year after year. In 2026, we celebrate the 42nd running of Sunburst Races. Don't miss it! 

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating race weekend with you. Best of luck with your training! 

***No refunds under any circumstances (please note: If you are concerned about the possible need for a cancellation or refund, race insurance is available for purchase when registering)

***Be sure to check back closer to race day - start times, course maps, etc. could have modest changes to the details currently posted 

Follow these instructions to transfer to a different event (i.e. from half marathon to 10K). 

What exactly is a Corporate Team?

A Corporate Team is a group of people who want to run or walk as members of the same team. Corporate Teams can be created for businesses, churches, schools or community organizations. To create a team, there is no minimum or maximum number of participants. There is also no fee to create a team.  

Why create a Corporate Team?

Because walking/running with your co-workers and friends is a blast. Nothing beats that fun feeling of camaraderie, community and support – all while accomplishing a goal! It’s an awesome opportunity to make a lasting memory with your work besties. 

What benefits do Corporate Teams receive?

• Expedited Packet Pick Up for Team Captains (must communicate this option before Packet Pickup)

• Access to the Corporate Tent/VIP Area with: 

  • Shade, tables and seating 

  • Extra snacks

  • Close proximity to the music/live band at the post-race party 

  • Corn hole

  • Photo opportunities 

  • Chair massages

What is the cost per team member? 

Because of the extra benefits Corporate Team members receive, pricing is slightly higher than individual pricing. The events are priced as follows:

Half Marathon – $90
10K Run – $55
5K Run – $50
5K Fitness Walk – $45

Please note: Any registration discounts offered by Sunburst Races do not apply to Corporate Teams.  

Do all members of a team have to participate in the same event?

No, team members can participate in whatever event they choose. 

How is race information shared with team members? 

Each team needs to have a main contact, commonly referred to as the Team Captain. Captains are the ones who typically create the online team, assist with team member registration and questions, and share information from Sunburst Races.

How do I set up a team? 

To create your team, visit Run Sign Up here and follow the prompts provided.

When creating your team, you will have an opportunity to customize your team options. You’ll also want to create a code/password to share with those allowed to join your team. A code prevents someone not associated with your team from joining. 

As the team captain, how do I see a roster of team members?

Once you’ve created the team, you’ll have access to manage it. You can pull a list of team members, edit your settings, etc.  

Does the team pay all member registration fees?

That’s up to each team. In the “Event Costs” section, you can enter the percentage of the registration fee that the team will pay for members. Enter in a zero (“0”) if the member will be paying the entire amount needed for registration, enter in one hundred (“100”) if the team will be covering the entire cost of the member’s registration, or enter any other number to cover that percentage of the member’s registration.

If our company/organization wants to pay either a portion or all of our team member registration fees, when/how do we do that? 

If you choose to pay a portion or all of the registration fees for your team members, you will receive an invoice (via email) after Corporate Team registration closes on 5/8/26. The invoice can be paid online by credit card or you can mail a check for payment. 

What if family members of our company/organization want to join?

When the team is created, you will have an opportunity to select whether or not family members or even friends are allowed to join your team. If you check the box allowing family members or friends to join, you can set a maximum number of additional registrants an employee can register for your team. 

Is there a deadline to register? 

Yes, all Corporate Team members must be registered by Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. No additional team members can be added after the deadline – no exceptions.  

What if one of our employees is already registered for the race as an individual participant? Can he/she still join our team? 

Yes, as long as the individual has permission to join the team (from the team captain), send an email to: sunburst@beaconhealthsystem.org and we’ll get you taken care of.

What if I need additional information or have a question that wasn’t answered here?

Send an email to: sunburst@beaconhealthsystem.org 

Sunburst Races reserves the right to modify routes as requested by the City of South Bend.

The 2025 course map is attached below. When the 2026 map is finalized, it will be uploaded here. 

Where is the race finishing this year?

All events will both start and finish at the Century Center in downtown South Bend (specifically on the Jefferson Blvd. Bridge).

Is there parking at the finish?

No. ***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).

Do you have a finish line map? 

Yes. You can view it here. 

Do I get a finisher medal?

Yes - all registered finishers in all events (including the untimed 5K Fitness Walk) will receive a medal.

What happens after finishing the race? 

As you triumphantly make your way to the finish, look up to see yourself on the video board - and smile big! Once you cross the finish line, you must keep moving forward to make room for additional finishers. There is plenty of space away from the finish line to celebrate your accomplishment, take pictures and embrace the awesomeness.

Water, Gatorade and medals are provided immediately after you finish. Post-race snacks are provided by Meijer - the tear tag from your bib is required to access snacks. You can see the location of the Meijer tent on the map. 

I'm on a Corporate Team. Where can I find the Corporate Area?

The Corporate Area is located in the Century Center parking lot - see map. Look for Sunburst/Corporate Team signage. For admittance into the area, you MUST be wearing your bib.

Tell me more about the post-race party/celebration.

Sure thing! We hope you will join us! The post-race party offers activities for both kids/families and adults 21+. 

Beer Garden

• Opens at 7:15 a.m., closes at 11:00 a.m. 

• Adults only, 21+, ID required – a birthdate on a bib will NOT grant access

• Open to both participants and spectators

• Cash bar 

Live Band

• Live music begins at 7:15 a.m., ends at 11:00 a.m. 
   

Family Fun Zone 

• Opens at 8:00 a.m, closes at 11:00 a.m.

• Face painting

• Pottery painting

• Balloon Twisting

• Magician 

• Yard games (Connect 4, corn hole)

• Bubble party 

You can see the location of these areas on our start/finish line map. Note - there are enough activities to keep little ones entertained for an hour or so.

How can my family and friends see me finish? 

Spectators are welcome to support their family and friends - see their designated location on the start/finish line map. 

Spectators need to follow the same parking guidelines as participants - ***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 if I can’t finish?

Head to the nearest Aid Station and inform the athletic trainer that you’d like to drop out. They will call for the Sunburst SAG van to pick you up and take you back to the Century Center. 

How will you handle awards?

We will have a casual awards recognition located at the stage - "Boomer"

5K Run Awards at 8:00 AM

10K Run Awards @ 8:45 AM

Half Marathon Awards @ 9:15 AM 

Do I get a shirt?

As long as you are registered (or make any online event transfers) on or before May 8, you are guaranteed a shirt in the size you request. If you miss the May 8 deadline, you are welcome to stop by the t-shirt table at Packet Pickup where extra shirts are available on a first-come/first-served basis. We do not hold or reserve extra shirts - you must be present and please understand the size you want might not be available.

If you are not satisfied with the size/fit of the shirt you requested when you registered, you can try to exchange it at the t-shirt table. 

When and where is Packet Pickup?

Packet Pickup is Friday, May 29 from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Century Center in the Discovery Ballroom (first floor). You will receive an email with a QR code; we will scan that code to assign your bib. Please have access to the email (either bring a printed copy or have the email accessible from your phone). Don't stress, though. If you don't get/have the email, we can easily look you up by your last name.  

We do allow friends and family members to pick up packets for others (we just need the last name).

***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).
 

What if I can't attend Packet Pickup on Friday, May 29? Can I get my packet on race morning?
Bibs will be available on race morning at the orange and purple Sunburst information tent (located across from the beer garden). Give yourself plenty of extra time if you need to get your bib race morning as lines can be long. We strongly recommend getting your packet on Friday (to make your race morning a little less complicated). We do NOT guarantee shirts on race morning - only bibs. 

Can I transfer events?
You can transfer events online until May 8. After that, all transfers must be made at Packet Pickup. It is best to transfer at Packet Pickup vs. race morning - simply because race morning is quite busy and long lines could cause you to miss your start (and late starts are not allowed). 
 

Are kids able to participate as runners or walkers?

Yes – if they meet age requirements. To participate in the 5K (the run or the walk) or the 10K, they must be at least 6 years of age on race morning. To participate in the half marathon, kids must be at least 10 years of age on race morning.

Young kids (5 and under) who just want to ride along in strollers or wagons in the 5K Fitness Walk do not need to be registered. 

Are strollers allowed?

Yes, strollers, joggers, wagons and baby carriers are allowed in the 5K Fitness Walk ONLY. No bikes, scooters, skates, rollerblades, etc. are permitted in the walk or any of the other events. 

Participants using strollers should line up towards 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 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 is May 8). We strongly recommend participants register before race day - Packet Pickup is a good time to do so. For 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.  
 

Are pets allowed? 

No - although we love dogs, they are not allowed in any event due to safety concerns. While pets are not permitted, certified service animals are allowed.  

I need to book a hotel, can you recommend one?

Check out our hotel  reservation link  or contact our provider directly at admin@sitesearchllc.com

Where is the best place to find additional race-related information?

The best places to find information are right here on RunSignUp and the emails from Sunburst Races. Our Facebook and Instagram pages are also packed with information. As we get closer to race day more emails will be sent. While we know it can be tempting to unsubscribe from the mailing list, we encourage you not to do that so you don’t miss important information and updates.

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 is May 8). 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 Race Director and Medical Director determine race conditions and, in accordance with local law enforcement and other weather officials, have 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. 

Follow these instructions to:

 defer your current registration

Claim your deferred registration from last year

If you are participating in the race and have not secured a hotel reservation, search for hotel availability via our trusted partner, aRes Travel.

Book online or call 888-882-4235 for live assistance.

Document will be uploaded for 2026 once it's finalized. 

When the 2026 map is finalized, it will be uploaded here (the setup will be very similar to the attached 2025 map).