KOLACHE FACTORY 5K/10K/KIDS DASH

Let's Run It Back, Kolache Lovers! Houston's BEST breakfast 5K/10K is back for our 7th Annual event on March 8th, 2025! This event will be super exclusive and in high demand with only 1,500 registration spots available (sold out 5 years straight!).

1. Custom Die-Cast Finishers Texas Rodeo-Themed Horseshoe Finisher Medal

2. Performance Tech Relaxed Fit Short Sleeve T-Shirt -or- Ladies Tank Top (100% Poly)

3. Commemorative Participant Bib (Timed for all 5K/10K Participants)

4. One (1) Post-Race Saint Arnold Beer for Participant Ages 21+

Our charitable partner of the 7th Annual 'Kolache Factory 5K/10K/Kids Dash' in Houston is 'Memorial Assistance Ministries'.

MAM's programs and services focus on clients achievin5g long term financial stability. Financial assistance during times of crisis and public benefits application assistance provide support on the journey to stability. Financial Coaching and Education help clients to develop budgets, establish savings, improve credit score, and prepare for the future. Vocational training and employment services lead to living wage careers. ESL empowers clients to speak and understand English better. MAM provides mental health counseling, along with basic medical care and immunizations through partner organizations and a Resale store. Immigration legal services and citizenship classes help immigrants obtain work authorization or U.S. citizenship.

5K Course Map (Single Loop Course): See map below

10K Course Map (Double Loop of 5K Course): See map below

Kids Dash Course: One loop in the parking lot!

You must be a participant to view this content.

PLACE
Start Line Location: Addicks Park and Ride (14230 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX US 77079)
Right off of I-10 in the Energy Corridor District (Flat and Fast, Out-And-Back Course on Park Row Drive and a short drive from the Houston Inner Loop / Katy)

WHEN DOES THE EVENT START?

Saturday, March 8th

Kids Dash Run/Walk begins at 8:00AM

10K Run begins at 8:15am

5K Run & 5K/10K Walk begins at 8:20AM

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE 5K/10K?

All ages can participate in the 5K/10K events, with ages 2 and under free to accompany a family member.  Strollers and walkers are also welcome, we just ask that you start in the back of the corral at event start to allow runners ahead.  All participants must finish within the 120 minute timeframe (20 min avg. per mile).

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE KIDS DASH?

Untimed Kids Dash fun run is limited to children 12 and under. One parent or guardian may escort the child through the route, but it is not required. Strollers are allowed. Older children will be put in the front, and strollers are to be in the back. We ask if you are pushing a stroller you be cautious of other children around you as you pass them. 

PARTICIPANT GIVEAWAYS

All 5K/10K Race Participants Receive: Participant Bib, Tech T-Shirt/Women's Tank, Finisher Medal, One (1) Post-Race Saint Arnold Beer (Ages 21+)
All Kids Dash Participants Receive: Participant Bib (Untimed), Tech T-Shirt, Finishers Medal

Please Note: All 5K/10K Bibs have an RFID tag located on the back of the bib for tracking on the course. Please leave this tracking in place centered on the front of your shirt to accurately time/track your participation. If you sign up for the 5K, you can not do the 10K on event morning and vice versa.  Anyone doing this will be immediately disqualified.

CHARITABLE PARTNER - MEMORIAL ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES

MAM’s primary goal is to help families overcome poverty by offering education programs designed to teach English and Financial Management, as well as help clients find new or better jobs. When families provide a financially stable home for their children, our neighborhoods become part of a healthier and safer community for all. MAM also serves as a trusted resource for our neighbors to volunteer, shop or donate to the resale store, and offer monetary donations. With your help, we will continue to improve the lives of families in need. Together, we are a caring community!

PACKET PICK-UP

Packet pickup dates/times are listed below with our official packet pickup partner, Sun & Ski Sports. The perfect place to shop for your running gear!

Location: Sun & Ski Sports - 326 Memorial City Mall, Houston, TX 77024 (entrance from the parking lot near Cinemark Theatre)

Dates & Times:

Thursday 3/6 – 12pm-7pm

Friday 3/7 – 10am-7pm

Note: Please bring your registration confirmation email from RunSignUp and limit your pickups to four (4) total packets, including yourself

While there will be event day packet pickup if you selected the $5 convenience fee during registration, there will not be any gear check available on site. We strongly encourage participants to plan an early arrival to find parking and wait in any potential lines there may be to receive your packet. Packet Pick-Up on event day will conclude promptly at event start (8:20am).

EVENT DAY DETAILS

Please Note: Details below are subject to change leading into event week/day.  Check back periodically and prior to event for any updates made.

Parking 

The Addicks Park and Ride has a plentiful amount of accessible parking (handicap parking included) via two accessible entry/exit points on event day. See 'Parking Map' in above section on this page for visual details. Pay key attention to the entry/exit locations to the Addicks Park and Ride right off I-10, which has ample parking on event day. If you're planning on entering the parking lot from Park and Ride Drive, friendly reminder this street closes at approximately 8am and you can then only access the lot from the other entrance right off I-10 feeder road (Frontage Rd.).

Gear Check

There will be no event day gear check.  Please securely store your belongings in your vehicle or leave at home.

Start / Finish Line

Follow the 'Course Map' in the section above on this page to the start/finish line area. 5K/10K/Kids Dash starts and ends under an inflatable start and finish line identified on the map.

Mile Markers

Mile markers will be at each mile.

Water Stations

Water stations will be available at the start line and approximately mid-way thru the run/walk (10K participants will pass water stop during 2nd course lap - approx. 4.5 mile mark). 

Medical Assistance

Special Thanks to our friends at Windsor EMS for being our 'Official Medical Partner' of the 'Kolache Factory 5K/10K'! If anyone needs medical attention during the event, Windsor will have an EMS service provided right near our staging area. If you're on the course and need see a fellow runner in need, contact 911 directly.

Post-Run Refreshments
After you have completed your 5K/10K, the fun continues! Swing by our post-race hospitality area near the start/finish line for refreshments, including two complimentary kolaches for ALL participants and one (1) free Saint Arnold beer per 21+ age participants. 

Race Photos

Spring Action Photos will be on hand to provide high quality photos of your participation in the event.  Your photos will be posted soon after the event and you can search for your photos by your last name or your bib number at www.springactionphotos.com.  Watch for discounts that will be offered.

Tips for better race photos:
·   Wear your bib on the front of your shirt.
·   Pin all 4 corners of your bib.
·   Pull your cap/hat away from your face.
·   If running with a friend/family, run shoulder to shoulder while your photos are shot.
·   Smile

Participant Awards

​This will be a 'friendly' competition across multiple categories, including:
Fastest Overall 5K/10K Run/Walk Male & Female: Wins $100 Kolache Factory Gift Card
5K & 10K Male & Female 1st/2nd/3rd Place Age-Group Winners: 14 and Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

​In addition, one randomly selected participant bib number will win a $50 Kolache Factory Gift Card at the event!

Disclaimer Regarding Awards:
If, upon verification, the Race Directors find discrepancies, the winning individuals will not be eligible for an award.  All awards will be distributed to the winners following the conclusion of the event. If you sign up for the 5K, you can not do the 10K on event morning and vice versa.  Anyone doing this will be immediately disqualified.

Course Etiquette / Pets

Please keep "Rules of the Road" in mind when running. If walking during the event, stay to the right of the street at all times and pass on the left when possible. Please be courteous of other participants. For competitive participants, please remember this is a 'friendly' competition. Safety first!

Due to insurance restrictions, animals, skates or other vehicular apparatus are not allowed by participants on the race course.

Headphones are not recommended during the race, but not prohibited. Please stay aware and in-tune with your surroundings.

Refund Policy

All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund. If you cannot participate, you may not give or sell your number to anyone else and entry fees will not be transferred from year to year unless the event is cancelled by the organizers.

Volunteers are a key part of any successful run event.  If you’re looking to earn required service hours or support your community at our event, we’d love to have your support!

CLICK HERE to view the opportunities .

If you have any other questions, please email us at kolachefactory5k@gmail.com 

If you have any questions about special group rate registration pricing or becoming a sponsor for this event, please email us at kolachefactory5k@gmail.com

Kolache Factory was founded in 1982 in Houston, Texas by co-founders John and Jerri Banks, who identified a need for a fresh, high quality breakfast that could be eaten “on the run.”

After the concept was created and launched, one of the primary goals of the founders was to explain to consumers what kolaches were, since few people had ever heard of them in 1982. Although kolaches originated in Eastern Europe centuries ago, many consumers in Houston had not had the opportunity to taste them before.

When the Banks’ first dreamed of the Kolache Factory, they envisioned a place with food that’s not only delicious and more nutritious, but served in an environment that brings back the charm and the warmth of the old world.

The Banks’ utilized a variety of methods to encourage consumers to try the high quality, fresh kolaches, and soon they were in high demand for business meetings, family breakfasts, on-the-go lunches, and afternoon snacks. Today, Kolache Factory is expanding nationwide and has received national attention for its concept and product. Kolache Factory has been recognized across the country as one of the Top 5 Drive-thru’s in America by the Food Network, one of the fastest growing companies in Houston, and was recently named one of the top 50 food service bakeries in the United States by Modern Baking magazine. In addition, Franchise Times magazine listed Kolache Factory as one of the top 20 bakery-cafés to watch.