FAQ
Some Frequently Asked Questions...
When do you anticipate registration to open for the 2024 race?
Registration will most likely open in December or January. You can stay up to date on information regarding the registration process through this page as well as our instagram and facebook. You can also join the E-Mail list at the following link.
If you have a particular concern or question, please email holyhalf@nd.edu.
Are there awards for the race?
Yes! We will have a brief and informal awards ceremony from 11:15 to 11:30 in Stepan Center (start/finish line). The following runners will be recognized at the ceremony, and the top three finishers will receive a prize.
Top 3 Men's 10k Finishers
Top 3 Women's 10k Finishers
Top 3 Men's Half Marathon Finishers
Top 3 Women's Half Marathon Finishers
When did registration close?
Registration closes each year when we reach 1,700 runners. This runner cap is strictly enforced to ensure everyone's safety on race day and has existed every year. For 2023, registration opened in January and closed in mid-February. There will be a waitlist once registration is full.
What is the course like?
The course map can be found on the 2023 Race Updates page. Generally, the 10k is one loop and the 13.1 mile race is two loops. The race loop includes four water stations, and a limited number of portable restrooms will be available by McGlinn fields and by Stepan Center.
I need to change something about my registration. How can I do that?
In most cases, yes. Please email holyhalf@nd.edu.
What is the deadline for refunds? Can I cancel my registration?
The 2024 refund deadline is April 4th. If you would like to withdraw from the race after April 4th, please email holyhalf.nd.edu so that we can give your spot to someone on the waitlist.
Are there restrooms available on race day?
Yes. There will be many portable restrooms available outside of Stepan Center, and a very limited number of portable restrooms in McGlinn Fields along the course (see course map). Please be advised that lines for restrooms at community races are inevitably long.
What are the details surrounding packet pick up?
Packet pick up will be at Stepan Center on Friday, April 12th from 10AM-5PM and 7:30-8:30AM on Saturday, April 13th. Packet pick up will also be available from 5-7PM in Stepan Center for those who attend the pasta dinner hosted by the B+ club.
At packet pick up, we will have small course maps available and other Holy Half items for you to take. At packet pick up, you will sign a waiver. If you are picking up a packet for a friend, please have them sign the waiver that we send prior to race day. The waiver along will be sent to all runners via email on Thursday, April 11th. You will need their signed waiver to be able to pick up their packet.
Are you a visitor to campus? Stepan Center is located on the west side of Notre Dame Stadium. Visitors should park in a visitor lot on the south side of campus. The primary visitor lot is Walsh Visitor lot, and visitor parking is also available in Compton, Joyce, Walsh Architecture, and Baseball lots. All of these lots are pay-to-park with free one hour parking (you’ll see pay stations where you will need to enter your license plate number). A live map of campus is available here.
Where can I park on race day?
Parking will be available on the east side of campus, in the Rugby, Wilson, and Bulla lots. Runners received more information via email on the week of race day. Please budget 15-20 minutes for parking and walking over to the starting line at Stepan Center.
Do you allow strollers in the race?
Due to safety concerns, we are not able to allow runners to race with a stroller. Parts of the course can be narrow or uneven, and strollers could put other runners at risk.
Is the race open to non-students?
Yes! We do reserve 40% of the 1,700 spots for Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, and Holy Cross College students, but the race is usually about half students and half non-students. We encourage everyone--South Bend community members, Notre Dame alumni and family, and Irish fans nationwide--to run the Holy Half!
What is your race cancelation policy?
We will cancel the race if weather does not permit an event of this size. In years past, this has occurred because of icy conditions and lack of additional law enforcement staff to help enforce safety. Safety is our biggest priority and we want to ensure that all runners have a safe and fun experience. Due to the charitable nature of this event, if the Holy Half is canceled due to extenuating circumstances, we will not issue refunds.
Can I walk the race?
The race begins at 9am, and we close the course at 12pm. It's unlikely that participants would be able to walk the full 13.1 miles in the three-hour window. However, if you would like to walk one lap of the course (roughly the 10k route), you are welcome to do so.
How can I sponsor your race?
Please email holyhalf@nd.edu to sponsor the Holy Half! Because our race raises money for local charities, we appreciate the support of our sponsors. We offer generous sponsorship benefits that allow you to promote your business to everyone present on race day.
Last updated April 8th, 2024.