Dean Granger Memorial 5K

The Dean Granger Memorial 5K began in 2014 with a simple but meaningful goal. Dean Granger, alongside a former service manager who was an avid runner, wanted to create something that would give back in a lasting way. Both Dean and Al Granger cared deeply about United Way and the impact it has on the local community, so they set out to build an event where 100% of the proceeds would go directly to supporting that mission. From the very beginning, this race has never been about profit. It has always been about people. United Way of Orange County, Texas helps fund essential programs that support education, financial stability, and health services for local families, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.

 

Over the years, the race has grown into a community tradition, bringing people together for a cause that truly matters. It has been held for over a decade, only pausing during unavoidable times like Hurricane Harvey and the COVID pandemic, but each time it has come back stronger with the same purpose at its core. Following Dean Granger’s passing, the race was renamed in his memory to honor the legacy he helped create, and that legacy continues to live on through every participant and every dollar raised. If you’ve been part of Team Granger for a while, you know how much the Dean Granger Memorial 5K means to us and to the Orange, Texas community. This is a race we have proudly hosted for many years, and every single year it continues to grow because of the people who show up and support it. 

 

This year, we are partnering with the City of Orange for the Pumpkin Run as part of Orangetober, and we are so excited about what that means for the future of this event. With this partnership, this year’s race will be bigger, better, and more impactful than ever before. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 3rd. And of course, the traditions you love are here to stay, including a free t-shirt and a goodie bag for every participant as a thank you for being part of something so special. What will never change is the heart behind this race. Every dollar raised continues to go directly to United Way of Orange County, making a real difference right here at home. This is more than a race. It is a tradition, a tribute, and a powerful way to support the community. When you sign up, you are not just running a 5K. You are running for something that truly matters.