IMPORTANT UPDATE: Sunburst Races and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
To our Sunburst registered race participants,
We’ve spent the last few months optimistically preparing to hold the 37th running of Sunburst Races on Saturday, August 8, 2020. We worked hard to create a unique and comprehensive plan that would allow us to safely hold the races. We put our whole hearts into it because we know you desperately want to cross the finish line of an actual, in-person race and we want to continue supporting some of our littlest and most vulnerable patients at Beacon Children’s Hospital.
This, then, is not easy news to share, but necessary. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the race. After 36 consecutive years of Sunburst taking place in Michiana, we are heartbroken that we cannot move forward with the race this year.
Our decision was based on a number of variables, most importantly the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Next Steps
Below are four options for our registered participants. Please select the option that fits you best by Friday, July 31, 2020. If you do not log into Run Sign Up by July 31 to select your preferred option, your race registration fees will automatically be transferred as a tax-deductible donation to Beacon Children’s Hospital.
- Deferral: We have waived our deferral fees so that you can transfer your paid registration to the next running of the Sunburst Races for no additional fee.
- Donation: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, you can convert your registration to a tax-deductible donation to Beacon Children’s Hospital. In fact, 100% of the donation will directly support our Child Life and Creative Services Program. These services help kids be kids, even in the toughest circumstances, by providing developmental, educational, social and emotional support. They would not be possible without the generous support of donations from the community, local business and corporations through the annual Sunburst Races. You will receive your Sunburst Races T-shirt with your donation. If you select this option, please be sure your mailing address is correct in Run Sign Up.
- Refund: Although this is against industry norms, we understand that these are difficult times for many so we are making an exception and offering refunds. Please note:
- We are unable to refund processing fees.
- Any credit to your account will be posted by August 31, 2020.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at: sunburstraces@beaconhealthsystem.org. We will return all emails as soon as we can, but we ask for your patience as we anticipate a full inbox.
Please stay safe and healthy.
