General Information
About the Holy Half
Now in its 23rd consecutive year, the Holy Half Marathon is one of the largest student-organized events at the University of Notre Dame. Held annually in the spring, the Holy Half tradition began in 2004, when approximately 80 runners participated and raised $1,000 for the Louis J. Acompora Foundation. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, proceeds from subsequent Holy Half races were donated to relief efforts in New Orleans. As the race grew in popularity and garnered increased media attention, participation and charitable giving continued to grow.
In 2011, the Holy Half launched a comprehensive marketing campaign throughout the South Bend area. The overwhelmingly positive response from the local community led to a greater focus on partnerships with organizations in the surrounding area. That year, 1,340 runners participated and raised more than $40,000 for Michiana Down Syndrome, St. Adalbert's School, and the Center for the Homeless.
Since then, the Holy Half has continued to grow into a beloved Notre Dame tradition, welcoming nearly 1,700 runners and raising more than $60,000 for charitable organizations including Girls on the Run Michiana, the Center for the Homeless, the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, and A Rosie Place for Children.
The Course
Runners experience the beauty and tradition of the University of Notre Dame as the course winds through campus, passing iconic landmarks including:
- The Golden Dome
- The Grotto
- Touchdown Jesus
- The Notre Dame lakes
The Half Marathon (13.1 miles) consists of two laps, while the 10K consists of one lap aroud the course.
The Holy Half starts and finishes at the Stepan Center, located on the northeast corner of the University of Notre Dame campus.
