5K races near McGregor

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.

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.

The 84th Runners/Shipley 5K Donut Dash is a Saturday morning 5K and 1-mile fun run held at First Woodway, MAC, on Ritchie Road in Woodway, Texas. A virtual 5K option is available, with all participants starting at 8:30 a.m. The 5K registration fee is $25, the 1-mile fun run is $15, and all funds raised benefit Walk to End Alzheimer's in Waco. The 5K is timed, with each runner's clock beginning when they cross the timing mats. The 1-mile fun run is untimed and stroller-friendly, suitable for families. All finishers receive medals, donuts are provided post-race, and 5K awards are presented to the overall male and female winners, as well as the top three finishers in age groups from 14 and under to 70+.

The Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Waco takes place in Waco, Texas, incorporating Día de los Muertos colors, music, and traditions. Participants can select from the Kids Dash, 1 Mile, 5K, Quarter Marathon, or Half Marathon, accommodating families, casual runners, and those targeting the full 13.1 miles. The course begins in a decorated park and proceeds through parks, greenbelt trails, lakefronts, and tree-lined sections near Waco. The terrain includes paved paths, crushed granite, and some light dirt, with aid stations provided. Prior to the race, a costume contest will recognize the most colorful and expressive attire. Following the race, a rally tent will offer music, Mexican food and beverages, awards, and Bigfoot trophies for top finishers.

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 CASA Color Run is a 5K in Waco, Texas, and race #3 in the Waco Run Tour. It starts in the morning, uses the color-run format, and is built for runners and walkers of all levels rather than just people chasing a fast time. Entry for the 5K is listed at $35, and each participant gets a dri-fit shirt plus the third medal in the Waco Run Tour set. The race raises money for CASA of McLennan County, which recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for children in foster care. It is a rain-or-shine event, with severe weather moving everyone into a virtual 5K instead. If someone registers and cannot attend, their payment still goes to CASA McLennan County, so the charity piece stays central even when race-day plans change.

The Chupacabra Trail Run begins and ends at Redwood Shelter in Cameron Park, Waco, Texas. Both the 5K and 15K trail runs start in the morning. This event suits those seeking a brief dirt-course effort as well as runners wanting a more extended trail challenge. This is the concluding event of the Huaco Cuatro Trail Run Series. The 15K offers a 3 1/2-hour time limit, averaging 22.5 minutes per mile. Course regulations prohibit dogs and baby joggers on the trail for participant safety.

The Fuzzy Friends Rescue Zombie Run 5K is a November 5K held in Waco, Texas. This short road race benefits Fuzzy Friends Rescue. Its zombie theme lends it a costume-run atmosphere, distinguishing it from a typical local 5K. The race begins in Waco, covering the standard 5 km distance. This makes it suitable for walkers, casual runners, and those seeking a seasonal fun run. The core appeal is straightforward: participants support an animal rescue organization while taking part in a Halloween-themed zombie run in central Texas.

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 Leatherneck Run takes place in Woodway, Texas, starting at First Woodway Baptist Church on Ritchie Road. It features a 5K run and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, both beginning in the morning following packet pickup and an opening ceremony. This marks the event's 25th year, giving it the character of a well-established local race with a consistent format, rather than a spontaneous fundraising effort. The course begins at the church's main entrance, proceeding through neighborhood streets adjacent to the church. Parking is available on the west side of the main entrance. Early packet pickup occurs in nearby Waco. All participants receive a finisher medal. Awards are presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top three in age groups ranging from 12 and under to 75 and older.

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 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.