If you’re the type of runner who signs up for one race and immediately starts looking for the next one, a race series might be for you. While most runners are familiar with individual events, race series add another layer of motivation by rewarding consistency throughout the year. Some focus on competition and points, while others offer challenge medals, special awards, or simply the satisfaction of completing multiple events.
Run Houston Race Series
One of the largest race series in the area, the Run Houston Race Series rewards runners for participating throughout the year. In addition to individual race medals, runners can earn special awards through challenges such as the Commitment Challenge, Spring Series, Fall Haul Challenge, Bayou City Half Marathon Series, and Triple Series.
-Sam Houston Race Park 5K, 10K & Kids K: January
-Katy Half Marathon, 5K & Kids K:February
-H-Town Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids K: March
-Vintage Half Marathon, 5K & Kids K: April
-Clear Lake 5K, 10K & Kids K: May
-Stars & Stripes Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids K: June
-University of Houston 5K, 10K & Kids K: September
-Cypress Half Marathon, 5K & Kids K: November
-Sugar Land Santa 5K, 10K & Kids K: December
Houston Running Co. Holiday Series
The Houston Running Co. Holiday Series gives runners a fun way to stay active through some festive runs. Runners who complete five races earn a Holiday Series medal. Complete six races and you’ll receive a Houston Running Co. trucker hat in addition to the medal. Finish seven races and you’ll add a Houston Running Co. sweatshirt. Those who complete all nine races receive the Holiday Series medal, trucker hat, sweatshirt, and a limited-edition Houston Running Co. running water bottle. For runners who love holiday-themed events, it’s a great way to collect some extra swag while running some fun races.
-Lovestruck 5k/10k: February
-Lucky Charm 5k: March
-Green 6.2: April
-Cinco Cinco: May
-Memorial Day Run: May
-Independence Day 8k: June
-Monster Mash Run: October
-The Great Pie Run: November
-Houston’s 12k: December
Houston Running Co. Summer Run Series
A great option for runners willing to brave Houston’s hottest months. Participants complete multiple summer events and earn a special series award for staying consistent through the heat.
-Lemonade Dash: June
-Popsicle Dash: July
-Watermelon Dash: August
HARRA Spring and Fall Series
For decades, the HARRA Series has been a staple of Houston racing. Unlike participation-based challenges, runners earn points based on age-group performance at participating races. The series attracts many of the area’s most competitive runners while also encouraging runners to support local club-hosted events. To read more about the fall series, read our article.
Fall Series:
-Space City 10 Miler & 5K: October
-UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K: October
-Houston 25K & 10-Mile: November
Coach Andy Stewart’s 30K & 10K: December
Spring Series:
-HBA Fun Run 8k: February
-Bayou City Classic 10k: March
-Bellaire Trolley Run 5k: April
-Bayou Bash Relay: April
-LP Run: May
Lone Star Race Series
The Lone Star Race Series gives runners an extra challenge by connecting multiple race weekends throughout the year. In addition to earning exclusive rewards, participants have the opportunity to race in different corners of the Houston area, experiencing a variety of communities, courses, and race atmospheres.
-Sugar Land Half: October
-Texas City Half: December
-Space City Half: April
Texas Bridge Series
Houston runners don’t get many hills, but the Texas Bridge Series changes that. The challenge connects the Toughest 10K Kemah, Toughest 10K Galveston, and La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon, giving runners a chance to take on some of the area’s bridge crossings. Those who complete all three races earn one of the more unique awards in local running: a Texas Bridge Series finisher buckle.
-Toughest 10k Kemah: September
-Toughest 10k Galveston: October
-La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon: November
Texas 5K Series
Many of the races in the Texas 5K Series take place in the Bay Area, making it a popular challenge for runners on Houston’s southeast side. Runners can complete the series in person or virtually, with every race providing a finisher medal. Those who complete five qualifying races during the calendar year earn a special award presented at the Santa’s Sleigh 5K, the final event of the series.
-Yuri’s Run: April
-Lunar Landing: July
-Beneeezy Purple Monkey: September
-Space City 10 Miler: October
-Santa’s Sleigh 5k: December
Texas 5K 6-Pack Beer Challenge
For runners who enjoy combining racing and craft beer, this challenge connects brewery-hosted 5Ks across Texas, with many of them in the Houston area. Participating events include races at B-52 Brewing, Galveston Island Brewing, No Label Brewing, Southern Star Brewing, Back Pew Brewing, Vallenson’s Brewing, and many others. Complete multiple races throughout the year and earn special challenge recognition while exploring Texas’ craft beer scene.
-Middleton Brewing Co. 5K Beer Run: March (San Marcos)
-Gather Brewing 5k Beer Run: March (San Antonio)
-B52 Brewing 5k Beer Run: April (Conroe)
-Galveston Island Brewing Co. 5k Beer Run: April (Galveston)
-Tejas Beer 5k Run: May (Houston)
-Pecan Street Brewing 5k Beer Run: June (Johnson City)
-No Label Brewing Co. 5K Beer Run: June (Katy)
-Southern Star Brewing Co. 5k Beer Run: August (Conroe)
-Roughhouse Brewing 5k Beer Run: September (San Marcos)
-Vallenson’s Brewing 5K Beer Run: October (Pearland)
-Save the World Brewing 5k Beer Run: October (Marble Falls)
-Back Pew Brewing 5K Beer Run: November (Houston)
-Hound Song Brewing 5K Beer Run: November (Houston)
-Real Ale 5k Beer Run: December (Blanco)
