2027 The Notre Dame Holy Half

Now in its second decade, the Notre Dame Holy Half is one of those races that feels like a campus secret that got out. The student-run event has drawn a median field of about 2,800 finishers, with runners traveling from roughly 46 states—and about a quarter of them come back for another lap. It’s a genuine Fighting Irish pilgrimage, complete with the Golden Dome, the Grotto, and Touchdown Jesus as backdrops.

The course is a two-loop tour of Notre Dame’s leafy campus, mixing sidewalks, parking lots, and a short, narrow dirt trail along a lake. The only real climb is a slight rise by the Grotto—it somehow feels steeper the second time around. Expect a strict three-hour limit and water-only aid stations, so bring your own electrolytes if you need them. The 10K option is also available for fans who want the scenery without the double loop.

On race morning, temperatures usually hover in the 40s to 60s, with a typical 14-mph wind. Student volunteers keep everything friendly and encouraging, and the post-race snacks have earned praise. Start and finish at the Stepan Center, and you’ll leave with a very Irish kind of soreness—and a story.