When it comes to college basketball, THE ROAD STARTS HERE! Dayton, Ohio is host to the annual NCAA First Four which kicks off March Madness!
Here in Dayton we make it about more than just basketball; it's four full days of activities, and we tip off all the fun with the Big Hoopla 4 Miler. On Selection Sunday, we begin the day with a 4 miler that starts and finishes right by UD Arena, the epicenter of the First Four!
All participants receive a super soft tech tee, custom finisher medal, free race photos, and post-race food. So, grab a friend or family member and come celebrate the excitement of March Madness with us at the Big Hoopla 4 Miler!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
The Big Hoopla 4 Miler will start and finish near the Dayton Flyers Softball Stadium. Park in the Arena Lot A (please do not park in the hotel lot) and use caution when crossing Edwin C Moses Blvd to get to the starting line. The race course follows the bike path North to Stewart Street. Runners will stay on the sidewalk to cross the Stewart Street bridge before heading South on the bike path past Carillon Park. At the 2-mile mark which is near the I-75 underpass, runners will turn-around and return to the start / finish in the opposite direction. There are no road crossings on the course and you'll enjoy some great views of UD Arena, Downtown Dayton, Carillon Park and more. You may even spot an Eagle in the trees at Carillon Park.
The 2023 Big Hoopla finisher medals will be made by Ashworth Awards right here in the USA.
While all finishers receive medals, there are numerous other prizes for top performers. Prizes are listed below!
Top 3 Overall Male/Female
1st - $100 and 2 tickets to the First Four
2nd - $75 and 2 tickets to the First Four
3rd - $50 and 2 tickets to the First Four
4th - $25 and 2 tickets to the First Four
Top 3 Overall Male/Female Masters (40+)
1st - 2 tickets to the First Four
2nd - 2 tickets to the First Four
3rd - 2 tickets to the First Four
Top 3 in the following age groups all receive 2 tickets to the First Four;
0-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
Packet pickup will be available at two times; the day before the event and on race morning. We HIGHLY encourage packet pickup the day before the event to ensure you have the most positive experience on race morning and don't feel stressed. Information for packet pickup is below.
Saturday, March 11th, 2023 from 12pm to 4pm
Roderer Shoe Center
304 E Stroop Road
Dayton, Ohio 45429
Sunday, March 12th, 2023 from 7:30am to 9:00am
UD Arena - Park in Area A and cross Edwin C Moses to get to the Softball Field and Start / Finish
1801 S Edwin C Moses Blvd
Dayton, OH 45417
