HalfRuns
Sunburst Races

Sunburst Races

Sunburst Races offers a fast, growing half marathon in South Bend, kicking off summer with community spirit.

Race Date

May 30, 2026

Location

South Bend, IN

Runner Favorite82

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Location
South Bend, Indiana
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
8,378

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBeginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Party FinishSpectator SupportGreat Post RaceGreat Swag

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

Sunburst Races, now in its 9th year, is a beloved South Bend tradition that heralds the start of summer. This USATF-certified course is designed for speed, with a minimal elevation change and a net drop that makes it a prime candidate for personal bests. Runners from around 20 states have discovered its fast-paced charm.

The event draws a growing field, with recent editions seeing over 2,000 finishers, and a strong loyalty rate of about 36% of runners returning. The atmosphere is a blend of community celebration and competitive spirit, culminating in a festive finish line complete with a beer garden and family fun zone.

Beyond the race itself, Sunburst Races champions a cause, with proceeds benefiting Beacon Children's Hospital. Participants can even opt to fundraise, amplifying their impact. It’s a well-organized event that offers a rewarding experience for runners of all levels, from those training for fall marathons to first-time half marathoners.

Race-provided description

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

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

Participant T-Shirt

Start Location

120 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend, IN, 46601

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

10K5K

USATF Certified Course

IN20010TDK · 2020 Sunburst Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Runner Favorite82
Methodology
Heritage18/20

9 years running

Size14/15

~648 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

36% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 4 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 20 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:16:24

Weather2/10

typical high 75°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

53°

Afternoon (High)

75°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

61%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 8,378 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

8,378

Median time

2:02:47

Latest turnout

2,109

States

43

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:054:15

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'18'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Sunburst Races?

The Sunburst Races is held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Sunburst Races take place?

It takes place in South Bend, Indiana.

What distances does the Sunburst Races offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K.

Is the Sunburst Races course flat and good for a PR?

The Sunburst Races is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Sunburst Races?

HalfRuns has finish records for 8,378 runners who have completed the Sunburst Races.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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