5K races near Ruston

The Not Ya Mama's 5K Walk & Run begins at the Calhoun Civic Club in Calhoun, Louisiana. Halloween costumes are encouraged from the start. This is a family-friendly 5K for walkers and runners. Adult and youth entries start together in the morning, followed by a free Kids Fun Run for children 9 and under. The route departs the civic club, proceeding along Owens, McCain Farm Road, and West Ouachita Baseball Road. It concludes with a lap on the West Ouachita Wellness Park track. The event supports scholarships and park improvements. Medals are awarded in men's and women's age groups from under 10 to 60+. Food trucks and vendors will be present around the race site.

The Wild Turkey 3 Miler is a three-mile road race in West Monroe, Louisiana, beginning at 8:00 AM Central on Pavilion. This is a straightforward out-and-back run, not a long-distance event. The entry fee is $25, and packet pickup is available on race day, though collecting packets the day before is recommended. The course departs Pavilion, turning left on Exchange, right on Wassan, and left on Grantham. The turnaround point is on Industrial, and the route retraces these same roads back. Awards are presented to the overall male and female winners, masters male and female winners, and age-group runners from 10 and under up to 10-year adult divisions. A portion of the proceeds benefits Grace Place Ministries, Inc. Shirts are provided while supplies last, and in-person pickup is necessary.

The Glory 5K Run/Walk is a Saturday morning 5K in Monroe, Louisiana, beginning at 2300 Sycamore Street. Glory’s Garden Foundation organizes this run-or-walk event for Northeast Louisiana families, friends, church groups, and supporters. The event benefits parents with babies in the NICU or PICU. The main 5K has a low entry fee, and the free Glory Kids Fun Run is a separate event for children ages 5 to 12, held after the 5K. The race honors Glory Ann Strickland, who was born at 24 weeks and required 308 days of NICU care at St. Francis and Children’s Hospital. Funds raised support practical needs for NICU families, such as medical expenses, travel, meals, and at-home living costs. The foundation suggests donation amounts: $25 can provide socks, a soft beanie, and a throw blanket; $50 can fund a going-home gift basket; and $100 can contribute to diapers, bottles, pacifiers, a blanket, and formula. The registration target is 1,000 participants, aiming to assist 200 families.