Big House Big Heart FAQs

Download a complete event FAQ sheet here!

Click here for the 2009 Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities Information.

Where is parking available?
Parking will be available at Pioneer High School (Stadium Blvd and Main St) for a $5 donation to Pioneer HS.  Due to the course, parking is NOT available in the stadium lot on race day.

Limited accessible parking for persons with disabilities who have a valid State of Michigan parking hang tag or license plate will be available on the northeast corner of Keech and Main Streets.   

An accessible drop off location for persons with disabilities will be available at a pull in intersection off Main and Keech.  This will allow drivers to drop off passengers and then park at the Pioneer Lot.

Where is registration?
Pre-race registration is available online and at local Running Fit stores.  Registration at Running Fit locations will continue until Sunday, September 26th at 5PM.  Online registration will close at 4PM Friday, October 1st.  Online registration will NOT be accepted after this time.   Registering after this date can occur at the NuStep Health and Wellness Expo or on Race day; see further information below.

Race packet pick up, as well as late day registration, will be held during the NuStep Health and Wellness Expo held at Pioneer High School in the Main Gym on Saturday, October 2nd from 10AM to 4PM. Parking is free during this event.

Race packet pick-up and race day registration will be available at the Stadium on event day (Sunday, October 3rd) just inside Gate 9.  Registration will begin at 6:30AM and will continue until 20 mins prior to the start of each race. Registration will end at 7:40AM for 10K, 8:50AM for 5K, and 10AM for 1mile.

Please use Gate 8 for Accessible entry into the Stadium concourse.  Again be sure to go to Gate 9 for race packet pick-up and race day registration. 

NOTE: To avoid crowds and potential delays on race day please register prior to race day.

If pre-registered?
If you are registered for the race, please be sure to pick-up your race packet either Saturday at the Expo or on race day at the Registration Table.  Packet pick up will be held during the NuStep Health and Wellness Expo at Pioneer High School, Saturday, October 2nd from 10AM to 4PM.  You may also pick-up your packet on race day at the Registration Table, just inside Gate 9.  Packets will be available beginning at 6:30AM.

Expo?
There will be a NuStep Health and Wellness Expo at Pioneer High School, Saturday, October 2nd from 10AM to 4PM.  This event is free and open to all Big House Big Heart participants and families.   Participants can learn about health and wellness, while the younger participants can have a blast in the kids’ area!  You can also late day register for this event as well as pick-up Race Packets.

Where do volunteers go?
Volunteers will receive an email with pertinent information from their Committee Chair.  Be sure to know where and when to meet your group on event day.  There may even be a pre-race volunteer meeting for certain committees. 

If you don’t receive your Volunteer T-shirt, be sure to stop by the Volunteer table on event day. It will be located just inside Gate 9 near Registration.

Thank You in advance for all your hard work!


When and where does the race start?
The 10K starts at 8am.
The 5K starts at 9:10am
The 1M Fun Run/Walk starts at 10:30am.

All races begin on Greene Street at the corner of Kipke Dr...look for the Balloon Arch!

When and where can we gain access to stadium?
Spectators may enter Gate 9 and utilize the stairwells in the Stadium to gain access to the playing field to watch their walker/runner finish the race.  However, please note the spectator areas that are indicated on the field.  Keep the rest of the areas free for race participants.

NOTE: The Stadium Tunnel entrance needs to be closed for the majority of the race.

How long can you access the tunnel?
The Tunnel needs to remain clear after 8:30AM; this allows race participants from the 5K and 10K to enter the Stadium.  There will be very limited time when access can be gained through the tunnel between races.  Please be aware of volunteers at the tunnel, they will direct you when access is available and safe for both spectators and racers.

NOTE: The tunnel will remain closed until approximately 11am to allow time for all participants to finish the race.  You may exit the stadium through Gate 9 utilizing stairwells during this time.

Is there wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, you will be able to gain access to the Stadium concourse via Gate 8.  The Tunnel will only be available during the following times to gain access to the field (9:10 to 9:30AM and 10:10-10:30AM).  Note these times are approximate. Be aware the Tunnel does have a steep decline; volunteers will be located at both ends of the Tunnel to assist if needed.

If you are participating in the race, be aware the course is accessible but entrance through the Stadium Tunnel does have a steeper decline. Volunteers will be available along the course and at the tunnel entrance and exit for assistance if needed.  Please note the Tunnel will remain closed except for the times indicated above.

Strollers Allowed?
Yes, absolutely!

If you are participating in the event, please be aware of the “pace” signs, which will indicate where you need to line up for the start of the race.  Please line up behind the appropriate signs; walkers, strollers, etc.

If you are cheering on participants from the field, be advised that the Stadium Tunnel will be CLOSED during much of the race. The 10K Race starts at 8AM, 5K starts at 9:10AM, and 1mile starts at 10:30AM.  During race times, you may exit using stairwells on the north side of the Stadium and exit through Gates 8 & 9.  Exiting through the Stadium Tunnel will be permitted only after 11:15AM.

What bathrooms are available?
Stadium restrooms will be available at Gate 9 as well as several port-a-johns that are located on the East and North end of the Stadium. There will be a few also placed along the 10K/5K course.  Accessible restrooms are available at the north end of stadium.  There are also accessible port-a-johns available along the course.

What is the race route?
    See map (10K, 5K, and 1mile routes are all indicated)

NOTE:  Participants be aware that the race route does contain streets where cars may be parked.

What about timing the race? Awards?
RF Timing will be supplying timing chips, be sure to follow the instructions in the race packet.  The 10K and 5K run will be chip-timed, the 1mile Fun Run will NOT be timed.  Please watch the clock for your finishing time.

The Phil Bowen Award presentation will take place just prior to each race.

Awards for the 10K and 5K run are 5 deep for male and female in 5-year age groups.  The top female and male finishers in each race will receive a free pair of shoes!  

Awards will be announced approximately 30mins after each race.  You can check the Results Wall on the west side of the Stadium to see your placement.  The Top 5 finishers will be announced.  If your name is called, please go to the Awards Table to pick up your award (west side of Stadium).

Everyone who finishes the race (10K, 5K, and 1mile participants) can print an official Finisher Certificate from the website.

 Is there water and food available for participants?
Yes, there will be water stations on 10K and 5K routes.  There will be water and snacks available after the race on the field for participants only please.

Is there Medical Staff on site?
Yes, there will be a First Aid station just past the finish line on the field.  Red Cross will be providing quick response and a HVA ambulance will be on standby.  There will also be a bike team during the race. 

Is there an award ceremony?
No, there will be no official awards ceremony; however names will be called out of those top finishers of each race approximately 30mins after the completion of the event.  If your name is called please make your way to the Awards table for your prize.

Will the results be posted after race?
Yes, results for the 10K and 5K race will be located on the Results Wall on the west side of the stadium.  Also go to the results page of the website to find your name and time.  Results will be available online approximately 24hrs after the event.  You can also print your Finisher Certificate from the website for the 10K, 5K, and 1mile run

Recycling?
Yes! The Big House Big Heart is going Green again this year and reducing its impact on the environment!  New this year is the Virtual Race Bag, so no more event bags filled with sponsor information and promotions.  Instead all event participants and volunteers will be able to view promotions and special offers online and print the desired offers! Again, during race day everyone will be able to recycle plastic bottles, cans, and paper. Please do your part and put waste in the appropriate containers! 

Spectators?
Spectators are welcome!  Bring cameras and join the fun!  Entrance to the stadium will be available at Gate 9 and the Stadium Tunnel until 8:30AM.  After 8:30AM the Tunnel will be closed until the end of all races. Exiting the stadium will be on the north side of the Stadium, up the stairs, and going through Gates 8 and 9.  The Tunnel will be available for exit but only after 11:15AM.  Be sure not to walk through the tunnel during the race!

Pets Allowed?
No, sorry! Guide Dogs Only, Please.

Lost and Found?
Please bring any found items to the Information tents located at Gate 9 and the Tunnel or at the Award tent on the field.  Any found items will be moved to the Information station at Gate 9 and held until 11:30AM.  Items not claimed will be taken to the Champions for Charity Office, to inquire please call 734-213-1033.  Unclaimed items will only be available for one week after the event.

Race day Information?
If you have any questions on race day, please see the volunteers located at 2 Information tents.  One is located just inside Gate 9 and will be available until 11:30AM.  The other will be located at the Tunnel entrance and will be available until 11AM.  We will do our best to answer any and all your questions.

Can I purchase a DVD of the race?  
Yes! Just look for the link on this site.