5K races near Harker Heights

James Wilson Park and the Crossroads Recreational Complex provide the setting for the Haunted 5K, 10K, & 13.1M: park, find the tennis courts, grab your packet, and get moving. The focus is on light Halloween road racing, not a spooky spectacle, with a paved course and enough structure to make it feel like a straightforward runner’s event.

Captain "D" Dash for "Sight" is a 5K run/walk in Belton, Texas, hosted by the Belton Lions Club to start LIONS on the LEON. It begins in the morning from the parking lot by the soccer fields and is designed for participation rather than competition: the event is not officially timed, though participants may track their own times using Run Sign-up. The route proceeds down Park Avenue, circles through the neighborhood, and returns along Park Avenue to the Heritage Park parking lot, where awards and photos are part of Picnic in the Park. Awards are given to adult men and women, boys and girls age 11 and under, and the best pirate costumes, with first through third places in each category. Registered 5K participants receive a custom commemorative spinner medal, and entrants also get a "Booty" Bag plus a bib raffle entry.

The MK5K Killeen is an annual, in-person 5K race held in Killeen, Texas, supporting the Mary Kay Ash Foundation. Participants can choose to run or walk, making the event suitable for the local community, not just competitive athletes. The route is a standard 5K distance. The MK Dazzling Dream Team and Central Texas participants convene to fundraise for initiatives addressing women's cancers and domestic violence. The Foundation supports cancer research, clinical trials, awareness campaigns, community outreach, and advocacy, having donated over $98 million to aligned organizations.

The Rotary Monster Dash takes place in October at 1501 E FM 2410 in Harker Heights, Texas. It features a 5K race and a Little Monster Dash for children, with both events starting in the morning. This race is part of the CENTEX Race Series, and the 5K offers individual awards. The event embraces its Halloween timing with a costume contest for children. Participants in the Little Monster Dash receive a goody bag. Entry fees are set at $25 for the 5K and $5 for the kids' dash. Proceeds support local Rotary club projects and Rotary International's initiative to eradicate polio, connecting the race to community service and a global health effort.

The City of Killeen Turkey Trot 5K is a holiday-themed run and walk held at Stonetree Golf Club in Killeen, Texas. The 5K distance is suitable for walkers and newer runners, while also offering local runners a timed race. The event is part of the Cen-Tex Series and serves as a fundraiser for the Food Care Center in Killeen. This local food pantry supplies food to over 2,000 individuals weekly, with approximately half of those served being children.

The Vineyard at Florence Wine Run Turkey Trot 5k is an annual 5-kilometer run/walk held at The Vineyard at Florence, 111 Via Francesco, Florence, Texas. The winery covers 600 acres a short drive north of Austin. The event is designed around running or walking through the property, not chasing a fast road-race time. Bibs are chip timed, results are posted online, and J3 Timing manages scoring. The course offers a tour of the winery, and organizers are clear: this is not the route for a personal best. The race emphasizes the vineyard setting, with registration including a pour of wine, a shatterproof collapsible wine glass, a finisher medal, and a soft ring-spun cotton T-shirt. The venue's design was inspired by a trip to Tuscany, reflected in the Italian-style resort setting within Texas Hill Country.

The Jingle Bell Dash is a holiday 5K in Killeen, Texas, starting at the Killeen Community Center and using the Andy K. Wells Hike & Bike Trail. The event begins in the morning with a new start and finish line. It follows the typical format for a local race: a single 5K distance, packet pickup available before race day, and registration on race day before the start. The race is included in the Centex Race Series, meaning all participants earn series points, not just the top finishers. Medals are awarded to the overall female and male winners, and age-group medals are given to the top three female and male runners in each category. The first 200 runners who pre-register are assured of receiving shirts, with a limited number of shirts also available on race day.

The Georgetown Half Marathon begins and ends near Georgetown Town Square in Georgetown, Texas. The event features a half marathon, along with 10K, 5K, and Kid's K races on the same day. This is a relatively new annual event, designed for a wide range of participants, not exclusively seasoned distance runners. The course winds through Georgetown’s historic districts and streets adjacent to the Texas Hill Country. The race emphasizes the town's character rather than a closed-off, stadium-like environment. Participants can enjoy the town square, local cuisine, poppies, and the historic atmosphere throughout the day. Families can participate via the shorter races and the kids' event.

The Moose & Goose Wine Run 5k is a chip-timed 5K run or walk held at Moose & Goose Winery in Temple, Texas. The race begins in the morning, and J3 Timing provides online results. This annual winery race is based on a straightforward concept: complete the 5K, then stay for a pour of Moose & Goose’s handcrafted fruit wine. The course begins and ends at the winery, keeping the event contained within the property rather than following a point-to-point route. Families are welcome, and walkers can participate alongside runners. The event embraces its winery setting with goats present, a shatterproof wine glass provided to registrants, and a finisher medal that also functions as a wine stopper. Registration includes a T-shirt, race bib, chip timing, posted results, and a wine pour post-run.

Conquer 20 obstacles, including a mud pit, slip n slide, 15 ft cargo net climb, and ice bath, along Nolan Creek. This race is for all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds from the ASCO Spartacus Dash benefit a chosen non-profit charity. Finishers receive a custom medal, food, and drink.