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2023 FAQ's
Updated October 13, 2023, at 1:05 PM

As race day approaches, we are continuously monitoring COVID guidelines in the State of Michigan.

COVID-19 Protocols
Whether you are vaccinated or not, please stay home if you have experienced any of the following within the last fourteen (14) days:
  • Have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19
  • Have shown any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath
  • Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or any known symptoms
Please view our 2023 Safety Plan here.

+ When is the race?
Always held on New Year's Eve - December 31st.

+ What time do the races start?
3:30 PM - 1-Mile Fun Run
4:00 PM - 5K Run
4:02 PM - 5K Walk

Please give yourself enough time to park, register (if you are not pre-registered), pick up your race bib and shirt (if you haven't already done so), and get to the starting line for your event.  The roads used for the event (1-Mile and 5K) are closed prior to the start times.  In addition, it gets very crowded inside the Belle Isle Casino in the minutes leading up to the start time, in both the pre-registered and late registration areas, so, please, arrive early!

+ How do I register?
You can simply register by clicking here.

+ What are the current COVID restrictions?
MI Safe Start Restrictions
MDHHS Epidemic Orders
Gatherings and Face Mask Order

+ Are we live or virtual?
Both. We want to include everyone whether you are comfortable with running in-person or would rather run virtually.

+ Will the in-person event be timed?
Absolutely! We will be providing live results for the in-person events, and will include instant photos. All timing and photo services will be provided by EnMotive-MI, which is a local company.

+ If I run virtually, can I submit results and photos?
Yes! You will be receiving an email on "race day" with instructions on how to submit your results and upload photos. Please know that your results will not be included with the in-person result rankings.

+ Is a course map available?
5K Course Map
1-Mile Course Map

+ Where do I park for the event?
Free parking will be available throughout Belle Isle Park in designated parking areas.  There are plenty of paved, secure parking spaces in the Grand Prix parking area in front of the Belle Isle Casino, as well as small parking lots close to the Casino.

Please note that the race courses will not be closed to vehicle traffic. To protect our participants, we will have course marshals out on the course directing runners/walkers.  If you feel that you must leave before the 5k has passed, please park on the right (water) side of Strand.  (You will need to drive around the northern end to exit Belle Isle Park, as Inselruhe Road will be closed for the race.)

Check Maps for a downloadable map of the parking areas around Belle Isle Park.

+ What are the Age Groups for the in-person event?
The designated age-groups are as follows for both male and female:
Ages 1-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and Over

+ Are there age-group awards?
Due to everyone receiving a finisher's medal, we will not be providing age-group awards. However, we will be giving out Free Entry Vouchers for 2024 to the top three (3) male and female finishers in the 5K Run and 5K Walk.

+ Where and when can I pick up my race swag?
We are offering SEVERAL locations for SWAG bag pick-up! During registration, you can choose the location that is convenient for you. Your selected location will have your SWAG bag on the specified date/time. You may change your selected loaction at any time until Friday, December 22, 2023 (11:59 PM).

Early Pick-Up will be at the following locations:
 If you have pre-registered, please print off your confirmation email and bring it with you to packet pick up - this will help streamline your check-in process.

+ Can someone else pick up my race swag for me?
Yes.  Please bring a copy of the individual(s) confirmation email for verification.

+ If I registered for a virtual category, when can I expect my swag?
We will begin shipping swag packets for virtual events on December 26, 2023. Delivery will depend on the USPS.

+ What do I get for my registration?
To celebrate our 54th annual event, this year's apparel is a quarter zip that has paneled shoulders for maximum movement, 100% polyester moisture management/antimicrobial performance fabric, contrasting 8" locking zipper and self-fabric inner collar. They are available in adult and youth sizes.

All registrants will receive a commemorative medal!

Keep in mind, we order a certain quantity of shirts - when we run out, we're out.
NOTE: Due to supply chain issues and delays in shipping, we are limited to a set number of 1/4 zip jackets. Once we sell out of an individual size, we will not be able to offer that option any longer. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Unless otherwise dictated by COVID-19 directives, we will be offering post-race food items at the finish following the event.

Paid, pre-registered participants are guaranteed a shirt, but please, pick up your shirt and race bib before the race.  Late registrants are not guaranteed a shirt. As mentioned above, we order a certain quantity of shirts and quantities may be limited on race day.

+ Do you have a bag check available?
No. Please leave all personal belongings in your vehicles. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

+ Can I participate in more than one (1) race?
Yes!  The "Bubbly" 5-One Combo allows you to run both the 5K and 1-Mile, be timed in each event, and receive the special larger medal. This event is capped at 100 registrants.

+ How do I know if I am registered?
You should have received a confirmation email. If you did not, or cannot find it, please visit our online search tool.

+ I ordered the wrong shirt size, or I would prefer a different shirt size, can I exchange it?
Sorry, but we cannot. Because of the time required for printing and shipping, shirts have to be ordered well in advance of the race, in quantities based on what had been requested by previous years race participants. However, if we have any shirts leftover from the event, you may check to see if your size is available at the event.

+ Do you need more volunteers? Can I volunteer?
Yes! We need volunteers for numerous positions on Race Day. Please visit our NYE Volunteer Registration page for more details.

+ Can I bring my dog?
Registered participants are allowed to bring their dogs with them in the race, provided that the dog is leashed at all times, and is not taken into the Belle Isle Casino.  Dog owners need to be aware that they may be held responsible if their animal harms another animal or person.  Also, the dog's handler must immediately clean up after the animal, as necessary.

These rules are in compliance with the City of Detroit Ordinance 04-04, Article I, Sections 6 and 21, and with the Michigan State Parks regulations.

+ Do I need a Michigan Recreation Passport to get onto Belle Isle?
Belle Isle Recreation Passport: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires that all event attendees and vendors have a recreation passport for this event. Please see the DNR websites (www.michigan.gov/dnr and www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport) for more information.

+ I cannot attend the event, can I receive a refund?
Sorry, but no.  As has been the case for several decades, we have a "No Refund" policy for the race.