Run for good.

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About the Race

Currently in its eighth consecutive year, the Holy Half is a 13.1-mile race touring the beautiful University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend, Indiana. As one of the largest student-organized events at Notre Dame, the Holy Half donates 100% of its profits to local charities. Runners take pride not only in training for and completing a half marathon, but also in making a difference to the South Bend community.


Charities

In 2011, the race had 1,340 runners and raised over $40,000 for Michiana Down Syndrome, St. Adalbert’s School, and the South Bend Center for the Homeless. This year, the Holy Half is benefiting Hope Ministries, the St. Joseph County Library, and the Literacy Council of North Central Indiana.


10k Option

For those of you who think 13.1 miles is too daunting, you can still participate in the Holy Half—we have a separate 10k (6.2-mile) race that occurs simultaneously with the half marathon. You will recieve all the same benefits as if you were running the 13.1 miles, plus the ability to walk the day after.

Registration Info

Registration is now open for the 2012 Holy Half Marathon! Race capacity is limited, so register today to reserve your spot.


Registration Cost: $55

ND/HCC/SMC students: $40


Online Registration Deadline: March 9

Student registration will also be available on January 29–31 from 4:30–8:30 p.m. in LaFortune Student Center and at both dining halls. We'll be giving out free posters with registration, so have your $40 ready.


Registration Benefits

Any runner will tell you the experience of running a big race is totally worth it in and of itself—plus you'll be doing it for a great cause. But besides the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and a tight little runner’s tush, you'll also get:

  • A limited-edition Holy Half technical tee
  • A swag bag filled with goodies and Holy Half merchandise
  • Food and live entertainment before and after the race
  • A finisher’s certificate
  • A special blessing by University President Fr. John Jenkins

    • Race Day Info

    Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

    10K will start at 9:15 a.m.


    The course will stay open until 1 p.m., so you have 4 hours to run, hop, skip, jump, or walk your way to the finish.


    Start Location: Irish Green

    Just south of the Debartolo Performing Arts Center


    End Location: B1 Stadium Lot

    East of Legends Bar & Grill


    Parking

    The main football stadium parking lots will be available for use the day of the race.


    Registration Packet Pick-Up

    Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before the race (times TBA)


    Item Storage: $1

    The Class of 2014 will be offering a bag drop for just $1. We'll keep your things safe during the race, and you'll be free to pick them back up at your leisure.

    Training & Safety

    The Holy Half is the best reason possible to get out there and get running. You will have some serious regrets, however, if you jump into this without preparation. Here are a few schedules and training tips procured for us from our running experts to get you ready for 13.1 miles (or 10 kilometers) of glory.


    Training Schedules

    9-week training schedules for beginner, intermediate, and advanced runners: Download (.docx)


    Health and Safety Tips

    Besides reading the guidelines below, also be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter—we regularly post articles and training tips there to help you get the most out of your workouts. We'll also have a bi-weekly column in the Observer to keep you company during your post-morning-run breakfast.


    A Note About Heat

    Last year we had some safety concerns on account of severe unexpected heat. This is the Midwest; be prepared for any kind of weather. No matter what, be sure to properly hydrate for the three days before the race. We moved the race up this year to March 24 to try to prevent the same conditions from occurring.


    Winter Training Guidelines

    If you are training for the Holy Half (and you should be), most of your training will be done in the cold. Here are some ideas for staying warm:


    1. Dress in thin, moisture-wicking layers.

    It’s easy to throw on an old cotton t-shirt, but cotton will hold onto your sweat. When you stop exercising, the sweat will end up freezing. Try a breathable outer layer made of nylon or Gore-Tex material to protect yourself against wind and precipitation, but still let out heat and excess moisture. If you need even more insulation, add a middle layer of polar fleece or another thick, moisture-wicking material.


    2. Wear gloves and thick socks.

    We cannot repeat this enough. Up to thirty percent of your body heat escapes through your hands and feet. Gloves are often neglected, but they can be the difference between you feeling great or feeling like a block of ice during a run. Since running shoes should be about one full size bigger than your normal shoe size, you should have enough room to wear thicker socks. Did we mention that you should wear gloves?


    3. Cover your face and head.

    Forty percent of your body heat is lost through your head, so make sure you wear a protective hat or ear-warmers.


    4. Try wearing a scarf or face mask that covers your mouth.

    Many people complain of difficulty breathing while running in the cold. This will warm the air you breathe in, and make it easier on your lungs.


    5. Don’t overdress.

    This idea seems counterintuitive to what we have just been telling you, but you will warm up once you start running, so you should feel a little bit cold when you start out. The general rule of thumb is to dress as if it is 20ºF warmer outside than the actual temperature.


    6. Pay attention to conditions.

    You can use Yak-Trax, pseudo-chains for your shoes, to run on the ice and avoid slipping. However, if it becomes too icy, the temperature goes below zero, or the wind chill is lower than negative twenty, it's time to hit up the treadmill.

    2012 Course

    This year we have a completely new course, far superior to the setup we've used in the past. As always, the race will tour all of the beautiful Notre Dame campus.


    Course map

    Click here to load the map.

    Timing & Certification

    This year's Holy Half course is officially certified by USA Track & Field, so you speed demons out there can use your times from this race to qualify for even bigger (though not necessarily holier) races in the future.


    Returning runners may remember we had some errors with our timing chips in the 2011 race. Have no fear—we have implemented a new system and taken extra measures this year to ensure that no times are lost.


    Past Race Times

    Scoping out the competition? Download the spreadsheet from our last officially timed race: 2009 Finishing Times.

    Help us on race day.

    Welcome! Click the links to explore.

    Volunteer Info

    If distance running isn't your cup of tea, volunteering is a great way to be involved with the Holy Half. We need lots of help on race day, from managing water stations to directing runners and assisting the race staff throughout the event. Volunteers are essential to making the event run smoothly and play a huge role in creating the Holy Half's great community atmosphere. Runners who have gotten injured before the race have often opted to volunteer so they can still be a part of the experience.


    Volunteer Benefits

    Besides tons of free food (Jimmy John's!) and entertainment on race day, volunteers will also receive a limited edition Holy Half shirt and our unconditional love.

    Volunteer Sign-Up

    Anyone is eligible to sign up! All you have to do is fill out the short form below. Be sure to include an email address you check regularly, as we'll use that to keep you updated on specific schedules as we get closer to race day.


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