5K races near Diamondhead

The Racing for Y'unity 5K is based at Crosby Commons on Goodyear Boulevard in Picayune, Mississippi, with a certified 5K course and a separate 1 mile fun run. It sits inside the 5th Annual Fitness Festival hosted by Fit Focused Community Pearl River County, so race day is built around local fitness, not only the road race. The listed 5K entry fee is $25, and proceeds benefit Breakthrough T1D. The available course information is simple: runners start in Picayune and cover a certified 5K, while the shorter fun run gives families and newer participants a lower-pressure option. The surrounding festival adds CrossFit competitions, fitness parties, boot camps, training programs, group classes, and local wellness resources such as gyms, supplement shops, workout apparel, meal prep services, and healthier restaurant choices.

The Haunted 5K, 10K, & 13.1M is a Halloween-themed running event in Slidell, Louisiana, starting at 8:00 AM from 105 Robert Blvd. Runners can choose a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, covering 3.1 miles, 6.2 miles, or 13.1 miles. The setup is simple: register ahead of time on RunSignup, as there is no on-site registration. Packet pickup opens 30 minutes before the start and closes 10 minutes before it. The listed parking area is close enough to walk to the start.

The Bay Saint Louis Cult Classics 5K takes place in late October in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. It starts and finishes at the Mockingbird Cafe on 2nd Street. The Bay Saint Louis Running Company organizes the race, which embraces its movie theme from the outset: participants are encouraged to wear costumes of cult classic film characters. The route starts and ends at the cafe, simplifying the setup and keeping it centered in town. Costumes can be inspired by 80s heroes, sci-fi legends, or comedy characters, blending the race with a movie-themed gathering. The event also collaborates with Ainsley's Angels of South Mississippi, with race entries supporting their efforts to enable people with disabilities to participate in endurance events along the Gulf Coast.

The Gulf Coast Veterans Association 5k Run/Walk + 1 Mile Fun Run takes place on a Saturday morning in Long Beach, Mississippi, starting at Long Beach Town Green. The 5K begins at 8:00 AM, the 1 Mile Fun Run at 9:30 AM, and awards are presented at 10:00 AM. The event features a standard 5K, a Heavy Load 5K, and a shorter mile for families. The course begins and ends at the Town Green, keeping the day focused on the park before and after the run. The Heavy Load division requires women to carry a minimum of 12 pounds and men a minimum of 20 pounds, using a tactical vest, plates, or a rucksack. Awards are given to the top male and female finishers, age-group competitors, and leading Heavy Load runners. All finishers receive shirts, food is provided post-race, and 95% of net proceeds and donations support veterans throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Gobbler 5K, 10K, and 13.1M is a road running event in Slidell, Louisiana. All three distances begin at 8:00 AM from the Robert Boulevard area. Participants select a 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Registration must be completed via RunSignup prior to race day; no on-site registration is available. The courses consist of out-and-back repeats. The 5K route is completed twice, the 10K route four times, and the half marathon route six times. Packet pickup is available near the start, opening 30 minutes before the race and closing 10 minutes prior. Parking is within walking distance of the start and finish areas. The event has a 3 hour 30 minute course limit, primarily affecting half marathon participants completing multiple loops.

The Bay St. Louis Turkey Trot begins and ends at the Bay St. Louis Train Depot on Depot Way in downtown Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. This Thanksgiving morning race features a 5K run/walk at 8:00 a.m. and a 1 Mile Fun Run at 9:00 a.m., allowing families to select either a standard short race or a leisurely mile. Both races are open to participants aged 1 to 100, indicating the event is designed for a wide local audience, not exclusively competitive runners. Race-day registration and packet pickup occur at the Train Depot, with awards presented at 9:30 a.m. The 5K awards the top three overall male and female finishers, the top masters male and female, and the top three finishers in five-year age brackets. A unique detail is the prize structure: first place receives a turkey, second place receives stuffing, and third place receives cranberry sauce. The event also connects the holiday theme to charitable giving, with proceeds supporting a charity selected by each participant.

The 12th event in the Running for Children's Rights to Both Parents series takes place in Mississippi. Bob, founder of Mothers and Fathers Truly Matter, will run a half marathon, and supporters can join virtually from any location. This series is a 50-state half marathon effort, with one race held each month. Participants can run, walk, or move in their own communities to support the cause, as the event does not center on a single public course or start line. The series aims to raise awareness about parental alienation, family court practices that separate children from a parent, and the necessity for children to have reasonable access to both parents. It highlights that unnecessary parent-child separation can lead to long-term emotional, psychological, and developmental harm. Proceeds from this Mississippi run will directly benefit Mothers and Fathers Truly Matter. Contributions will fund a national advisory board of legal and mental health professionals, a public awareness campaign, research into custody trends and parental alienation, and educational materials for families.