How long is a 5K race?
5K = 3.1 miles

Will there be hydration stations on the course?
Yes. There will be two hydration stations along the course (with water and first aid supplies) as well as at the finish line.

Can I walk?
Absolutely! All we ask is that walkers start in the back to allow the faster runners to get through.

Are strollers allowed in the race?
Yes, the course is paved. However, we do ask that strollers start in the back so as not to impede faster runners.

Is there a cutoff time? 
All runners and walkers must finish the course by 10:00 AM. Course cutoff time must be strictly adhered to due to the traffic control and city restrictions.

What happens if I am unable to finish the race?
There will be bike medics riding the course, let one of them know that you need help. If you are able to, please make your way to the nearest water station and a volunteer will contact the race director to arrange your pickup.

How do I get credit for the Healthy Actions Medical Plan? 
You will receive 50 points toward the 2020-2021 Healthy Actions Medical Plan by participating in the walk/run portion of the 5K.

In order to receive credit for walking or running the 5K, you MUST wear your bib clearly on the front of your body when crossing the finish line. We are only able to award credit to those with finishing times and your bib will ensure that you receive a finish time. If you need assistance attaching your bib, please ask a volunteer for help.

*New Employees: If you are new and not benefits-eligible as of April 1, 2020, you will still earn credit for participating; however, the credit will not post until you become benefits-eligible. 

When is packet pick-up?
Thursday, April 2: 1310 Prairie St., Houston, TX 77002, 9th Floor Activity Room, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, April 4: Family Law Center, Pre Race Party Zone, 7:00 – 8:00 AM

What do I need to bring with me to pick up my packet?
Please bring your County badge or Government issued ID.

Can I pick up packets for team? 
The team captain can pick up packets for the entire team. Please be sure to choose the option during registration. Team Captains will receive an email with instructions on how to pick up the packets if you selected that option.

Can I pick up packets for other people?
Yes. If you are picking up packets for other people, you simply need their names and you will sign for their packets.

What do I get at packet pick-up?
All participants will receive a bib, safety pins, & shirt.

Can I switch my shirt size?
No. There are limited quantities of each size. You will receive the shirt size you registered for. If there are any shirts available after the race has completed, you may trade your unworn shirt on race day at the T-shirt Exchange/ Results Tent.

Where can I park on race day?

FREE parking is available at 1400 Congress St garage. Please arrive early to access the garage. You will not be allowed to enter the garage after 8am because the race will begin at that time. 

Can I park on the street? 

Parking meters are enforced Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except where pay station or posted signs indicate otherwise. Parking meters are not enforced on Official City Holidays.

Are race participants or spectators allowed to bring dogs to the race? 
No. The course will be on the streets of Downtown, with one lane open for traffic flow. Dogs are not allowed on the course due to safety reasons.

Will I be given a post-race meal?  
Racers will be given a post-race bag with granola bars and fruit. There will be food trucks onsite to serve food for those who wish to purchase additional meals.

Where do I get my post-race food?  
Racers who cross the finish line will be directed to the participant food tent.

Will there be a race photographer?
Yes, professional race photography will be provided by Spring Action Photos. Race pictures will be available for purchase via a link emailed to participants after the event. Please make sure to provide a valid email address during registration.

Race Day Schedule

• April 4 7:00 AM CDT - Arrival, Race Day Registration, and Packet Pick-up
• April 4 7:45 AM CDT - Opening Announcements
• April 4 8:00 AM CDT - Race Starts
• April 4 8:15 AM CDT - Starting Line Closes (no more runners can start)
• April 4 10:00 AM CDT - Mandatory Course Close
• April 4 10:15 AM CDT - Kids 100m Dash

May I use my own timing chip instead of the provided disposable timing tag? 
No. Please make sure you are not wearing any chips, D-tags or bib tags from previous races on your clothing or shoes.

How early should I get there? 
It is recommended to arrive 45 minutes early to allow time for parking, warm up, and stretching. If you are picking up your packet the morning of the race, please arrive at the park before 7:00 AM. Please see our Event Schedule for details.

What should I bring with me? 
Please remember to wear your race bib clearly on the front of your body. Water will be available during the race but we recommend bringing some to drink beforehand. You should check the weather ahead of time and dress accordingly. Rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat/visor, sunglasses, personal hydration/nutrition is also advised if necessary. 

We welcome all volunteers. Please register on the volunteer page and select a duty. Click here to volunteer.

Employees that register on this site to volunteer will earn 50 points toward their 2021-22 Healthy Actions Medical Plan eligibility. 

NOTE: You must check in and check out in order to receive 2021-22 Healthy Actions Medical Plan credit. 

What happens if we experience bad weather?
We will do everything we can to continue to host the event, unless there is lightning. Thunder and lightning may delay the start by 20-30 minutes each time we hear/see it. The race will only be cancelled if weather conditions present imminent danger to participants OR if flooding prior to the event causing the park to be inaccessible. Please know that complete cancellation is rare but CAN happen.

Will I get a refund or a credit if the event is cancelled?  
Since Harris County uses registration fees to partially fund the event, no refunds or credits will be issued.