One of the best ways to get in shape is to try out running or walking. The Woodlands is home to miles of running trails (over 210 if your counting) and there are also plenty of running and race events planned throughout the year for you to set a goal to aim for. If you are just getting started on your running journey and hoping to run a 5 or 10k in a new city, several races are offered throughout the year. For the more experienced runner, The Woodlands offers a Boston-qualifying marathon and triathlons. Lace-up your shoes and start planning!
SHORT DISTANCE (1-MILE TO 10K)
February 27, 2021 | The Woodlands Marathon is hosting The Woodlands 5K Fun Run and Pathfinder Pediatric 2K Fun Run Walk on the same day in February. Anyone can sign up and all running and walking levels are welcome. Runners and walkers line up along The Woodlands Waterway and will traverse the streets of Town Center. This is a great run for families and others who may want to get started with running in the new year!
April/May 2021 - Race date to be announced | The annual Muddy Trails Bash is held at Rob Fleming Park and unlike most other races, it’s in the afternoon! The action begins at 3 p.m. and wraps up around 8 p.m. Produced by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department, this USA Track and Field (USATF) sanctioned event features chip-timed 5K and 10K trail runs, the Little Muddy Kids' One-Mile Fun Run and a 2K-9 Fun Run for you and your dog. All courses wind through the beautiful George Mitchell Nature Preserve, located on 1,800 acres adjacent to Rob Fleming Park. The festive post-race party includes live zydeco music, the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cook-Off, and children’s activities.
October 2021 - Race date to be announced | 10 for Texas is one of the most popular races in The Woodlands and would be a great goal race to work towards for a new runner. It’s the ultimate family-friendly event with several races for all ages to participate in. After the race, participants will enjoy a Texas-sized post-race party with fun for the whole family.
LONG DISTANCE
March 6, 2021 | The Woodlands Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the fastest courses in Texas and one of the top 25 fastest courses in the country. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier, meaning if people make a certain time for their age group, they can enter into the Boston Marathon. Friends, family, and spectators line the streets at various cheer zones in the Cheer Challenge to encourage athletes along the way. The course goes all throughout The Woodlands, finishing on the scenic Waterway area. Participants also have the opportunity to run for charities in the Charity Challenge. To date, more than $650,000 has been raised for charities and volunteer organizations.
April 24, 2021 | IRONMAN Texas is held in The Woodlands and athletes will experience a race like no other. Athletes will begin with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands starting at North Shore Park and ending at Town Green Park. Athletes will then start a 112-mile bike by navigating part of The Woodlands surrounding areas, returning to the scenic Woodlands Waterway. The day ends with a 26.2-mile run taking place entirely within The Woodlands and concluding with a spectacular finish on Waterway Ave.
April/May 2021 - Race date to be announced | Looking for a challenge? Consider the Woodforest Triathlon, an event that combines running, swimming, and biking all in one day. The race begins at Northshore Park and is one of the premier multi-sport events in the region. Registration is open to more than 1,200 participants, ranging from beginners to nationally ranked triathletes. The event culminates with a festive awards party featuring music, great food, and beverages. The Woodforest Bank TRI is a USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned event.
