Waco · United States
5K races near Waco
12 races in 2026
next one in 3 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming 5K races near Waco
This week 1
4JUL
Run · road · 5K
Firecracker 4th of July 5k Run
Mexia · 65 km away
JUL 2
11JUL
Run · road · 5K
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Temple, TX (28)
Temple · 54 km away
25JUL
Run · road · 5K
Eagle 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Temple, TX (30)
Temple · 54 km away
AUG 4
1AUG
Run · road · 5K
Waco ISD - Superintendent's SuperHero Run - 5K and 1K
Waco · 1 km away
1AUG
Run · road · 5K
Community Connection 5k
Killeen · 77 km away
+7 more 5K racesShow fewer ↓
15AUG
Run · road · 5K
Agape 5K fun run/walk/ride for Jesus
Killeen · 72 km away
15AUG
Run · road · 5K
Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Temple, TX (33)
Temple · 54 km away
SEP 5
4SEP
Run · road · 5K
Bear Country Night Trek
Waco · 3 km away
6SEP
Run · road · 5K
Westfest Kolache 5K Presented by Czech Stop
West · 29 km away
12SEP
Run · road · 5K
Flamingo Flyers 5k
Temple · 49 km away
26SEP
Run · road · 5K
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Temple, TX (39)
Temple · 54 km away
26SEP
Run · road · 5K
Fox Trot - CENTEX Race Series
Nolanville · 68 km away
Waco · 80 km
12 races mapped
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Recurring 5K races near Waco
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Lions on the Leon Captain "D" Dash for "Sight" 5K Fun Run/Walk
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.
Haunted 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Temple, October 3
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.
84 Runners/Shipley 5K Donut Dash
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+.
MK5K Killeen
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.
Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Waco
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.
Rotary Monster Dash
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.
Waco Run Tour - CASA Color Run
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.
Chupacabra Trail Run
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.
Fuzzy Friends Rescue Zombie Run 5K
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.
City of Killeen Turkey Trot 5K
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.
25th Annual Leatherneck Run
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.
Salado Band Mustache Dash 5K
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Other races in the next 90 days
About 5K races in Waco
Waco Base Miles And Gravel
Waco hosts 29 5K races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals get easy rhythm on the Waco Riverwalk, and the paved path runs 7 miles along the Brazos River. Cameron Park gives trail runners over 20 miles when Z2 turns into roots, switchbacks, and rock gardens. The park has a 25-mile loop handy for short intervals. Waco Striders Running Club keeps the week honest with a Monday 6:00 pm 3-mile run at Woodway Park Road 2 and a Wednesday 6:00 pm 4-mile run from Redwood Shelter in Cameron Park. Saturday runs start there too. The Best 5K on the Brazos and Waco Police Memorial Run are easy anchor races.
Waco is a gravel goldmine, and locals mean that pretty plainly. Cameron Park gives riders 20 miles of singletrack along the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, with beginner to expert lines when a gravel bike gets rowdy. Reynolds Creek Park opens 10 miles of fairly level Lake Waco singletrack for calmer laps. Wild West Century Bike Ride routes cover 6, 26, 43, 62, and 100 miles. The 43 Mile Route climbs over 800 feet, the 62 Mile Route climbs about 1,400 feet, and the 100 Mile Route climbs about 2,200 feet. Gravel Locos, Bear Downs, and Tri Waco keep the calendar sharp.
January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, and December are the good training months. Summer in Waco changes the rules because peak months rarely drop below 95°F, and 100 plus degree days can show up as early as June and as late as October. Locals move runs and rides early, keep intervals short, and save base miles for smarter weather. Winter gives runners and cyclists plenty of usable days because January and February can average in the 60s or 70s. Lows can fall into the teens or low 20s, so mornings need layers before the sun gets useful.