Big House Big Heart was a charitable walk/run event held annually at the University of Michigan Football Stadium (commonly known as “The Big House”) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. The event was organized by Champions for Charity, a for‑profit company that coordinated the race to raise funds for the University of Michigan’s medical programs and additional charitable causes.
History and operation
- Inception: The inaugural race took place in 2007.
- Duration: The event was conducted each year through 2012, encompassing a 5‑kilometer run, a 10‑kilometer run, and shorter “fun‑run” distances designed for participants of all ages.
- Fundraising: In its first year the race raised over $200,000; over its six‑year span it generated substantial contributions for the University of Michigan Health System, including the Program for Neurology Research & Discovery, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and the Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.
Organization
Champions for Charity managed the logistics, marketing, and donation collection for the race. Proceeds were directed to the university’s medical research and clinical programs as well as to other partner charities.
Cancellation
In December 2012, the University of Michigan Athletic Department announced that it would no longer permit the event to be held on campus, citing unspecified concerns regarding the organizational structure of the charity. Consequently, the Big House Big Heart race was discontinued after the 2012 edition. A successor event, the “Leaders and Best Race,” was introduced in 2013, limited to routes on the university’s athletic campus rather than inside the stadium.
Legacy
Although the event ceased operation, it is remembered as a notable example of a university‑affiliated fundraiser that combined a high‑profile athletic venue with community health‑related philanthropy.