Sunburst Races

    Sunburst Races is one of the premier regional running events in the Midwest. Held each year in South Bend, Indiana, the race begins in downtown South Bend and finishes at the University of Notre Dame. The race, owned and managed by Beacon Health System, coincides with the University of Notre Dame’s Reunion Weekend, which is frequently the first weekend in June. The race typically attracts upwards of 10,000 participants and has an economic impact on the local economy that approaches $750,000 annually. The 2017 race will mark the 34th running of the Sunburst Races.

    Six different events make up Sunburst Races. On Friday evening, a Family Walk meanders through downtown South Bend that attracts roughly 500 young children and their families each year. Race Day events include a Fun Walk, 5K run, 10K run, Half Marathon and Marathon. The Sunburst Marathon is a Boston-qualifier; both the marathon and the half marathon are certified by the United States of America Track & Field (USATF) governing body. Proceeds from Sunburst Races benefit the Child Life Endowment at Memorial Children’s Hospital.