Big House 5K: Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will the 2025 Big House 5K take place?
The 2025 Big House 5K will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m.
2. Can I run the race with my dog?
No, your dog cannot run with you. Only service dogs, with proper identification, will be allowed on the course or at the Finish Festival.
3. Are strollers allowed? What about bikes or scooters?
Strollers or baby joggers are allowed for the race, but please be aware that all individuals running / walking the course with a stroller will be asked to start behind all runners towards the back of the start line. No other riding toys (bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc.) will be allowed on the race course.
Please note that you will need to register the passenger of the stroller as a participant for the event and display the race bib on the stroller to gain entry to the course.
We are offering a discounted stroller-specific registration available for children ages 5 & younger (as of race day). The registration will include a bib/entry to the course and medal, but NO shirt.
4. Do I have to register my baby or toddler for the race?
Yes. All participants of the event, regardless of age, must be registered for the race. We are required to provide certain race elements (police and emergency service support, restrooms, refreshments, etc.) based on the number of race participants. By requiring all participants regardless of age to register, we can ensure an accurate participant count and cover the costs of providing these critical race resources.
Additionally, all participants receive finisher medals, while also providing a minimum $12 donation to our six race beneficiaries.
We are offering a discounted stroller-specific registration available for children ages 5 & younger (as of race day). The registration will include a bib/entry to the course and medal, but NO shirt.
5. Do you offer refunds?
Because this is a charitable event, we do not provide refunds. We can transfer your registration to a friend or family member, instead. Registration transfers will be offered until registration closes on on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. OR when the event sells out, whichever comes first.
In the event that the race sells out, we will enact a waiting list and you can transfer your entry to someone on the list for a refund. This process will ONLY be enacted if the race sells out prior to April 9, 2025. Refund requests will only be granted until Tuesday, April 8, at noon.
6. When is packet pickup?
There are several opportunities for packet pickup, including a new pickup the weekend before the race.
- Saturday, April 5
- Time: 10am to 3pm
- Location: Buddy’s Pizza (3153 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103)
- Thursday, April 10
- Time: 4pm to 8pm
- Location: Crisler Center (333 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
- Friday, April 11
- Time: 4pm to 8pm
- Location: Crisler Center (333 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
- Saturday, April 12
- Time: 9am to 1pm (tentative, could change based on Michigan Football Spring Game)
- Location: Crisler Center (333 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
- Sunday, April 13 (Race Day)
- Time: 6 am to 7:30am
- Location: Crisler Center (333 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109)
- To avoid high volume and ensure you start the race on time, participants are strongly encouraged to pick their packets up prior to race day!
All race participants will be emailed detailed packet pick up and parking information.
7. Do you have an expo?
We will not be hosting an expo for the 2025 Big House 5K, but our six race beneficiaries and race sponsors will be on site at our packet pickup to share information with participants.
8. Can my friend pick up my packet?
Yes, please come prepared with the registration confirmation email of the individual you are picking up for.
9. Do I get a shirt?
Yes, all 5K participants receive a t-shirt! The shirts are unisex sizes from Small through 4X-Large. We also provide youth sizes Small through Large.
If you register a child using the stroller entry, then a shirt WILL NOT be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to supply chain challenges, shirt size quantities are limited. Once we exhaust our inventory of a certain size, we are unable to order more. Shirt sizes will be available on a first come, first served basis.
10. I clicked the wrong T-shirt size? Can you fix that?
Please email us at bighouse5k@umich.edu to request a shirt size change. Size change requests are not guaranteed and are subject to availability. No size changes will be accepted after registration closes, or on-site at packet pick-up.
The t-shirts that we provide are available in adult unisex sizes Small through 4XLarge, and youth sizes Small through Large.
11. Can I use an iPod or similar headset during the event?
Yes, but please be careful. Make sure that you can hear all course and safety instructions from volunteers and police officers.
12. How are awards handled?
- Prize for Overall Male and Female: 2 club tickets to a 2025 Michigan Football game and a Buddy's Pizza gift certificate
- Prizes for Age Group Awards for First, Second, Third (Male & Female): First place receives a ribbon and a Buddy's Pizza gift certificate; Second and Third place receive a ribbon
13. Can I walk this race?
Absolutely! The Big House 5K is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels.
We need to have the roads opened back up by 10 a.m. and have allotted 2 hours for participants to complete the course. Please keep this in mind when you set your pace. Note that no participants will be allowed to enter the course or start the race after 8:35 a.m.
We will use a corral start system, and participants will be grouped by expected finish time. You will receive your corral assignment when you pick your packet up for the event. Participants are asked to be at the starting line at least 15 minutes prior to your assigned start time to provide ample time to line up in your assigned corral.
14. Interested in volunteering?
The Big House 5K cannot run successfully without a team of 200-plus volunteers. Volunteer registration opens Jan. 15, 2025. Learn more about volunteering or to register to volunteer.
15. Where can I find the course map?
• PDF: 2025 Big House 5K Course Map
16. Will there be a photographer at the finish line for the race?
We are providing all race participants with complimentary on-course race photos, which will be delivered by RunToledo after the event.
17. Where should I park?
Free parking is provided in several lots around Crisler Center and Michigan Stadium on a first-come, first-served basis. Once those lots fill, parking attendants will direct you to other available overflow lots nearby, including other University-owned lots and Pioneer High School.
Parking in the Crisler lot fills quickly, so we recommend arriving early or making plans to park at Pioneer High School or adjacent neighborhoods.
There will be no bag check at the start line so plan accordingly by leaving any bags you might have in your car.
• PDF: 2025 Big House 5K Parking Map
18. What if none of these questions is my question?
If you have any questions, please email bighouse5k@umich.edu.
