Updated September 2, 2024, at 10:59 PM
Yes, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will enforce recreation passport requirements for all vehicles entering Belle Isle during the New Year’s Eve Run. A recreation passport is mandatory for access to Michigan state parks, including Belle Isle, and ensures the upkeep of these beautiful spaces. If your vehicle does not already have a recreation passport, one can be purchased at the park entrance for $12 (Michigan residents) or $39 (out-of-state visitors). Plan ahead to avoid delays and ensure a smooth arrival at the event!
For additional information, please see the DNR websites (www.michigan.gov/dnr or www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport).
Whether you are vaccinated or not, please stay home if you have experienced any of the following within the last fourteen (14) days:
Always held on New Year's Eve - December 31st.
Belle Isle New Year's Eve Run is held on Belle Isle, next to the Casino.
3:00 PM - 1-Mile Run
3:30 PM - 5K Run/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!
You can simply register by clicking here.
Sorry, but no. As has been the case for several decades, we have a "No Refund" policy for the race.
Yes, but you will have to pay the transfer fee. To transfer your registration, click here.
This is an in-person only 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.)
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
Due to everyone receiving a finisher's medal, we will not be providing age-group awards.
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 location 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.
Yes. Please bring a copy of the individual(s) confirmation email for verification.
To celebrate our 55th annual event, this year's apparel will be in true Belle Isle New Year's Eve Run spirit. We are working with local vendors to get the best quality. 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 items. Once we sell out of an individual size, we will not be able to offer that option any longer. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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.
No. Please leave all personal belongings in your vehicles. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
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 200 registrants.
You should have received a confirmation email. If you did not, or cannot find it, please visit our online search tool.
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.
Yes! We need volunteers for numerous positions on Race Day. Please visit our NYE Volunteer Registration page for more details.
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.