WHATABURGER ‘WHATARUN 5K/10K’ (Houston, TX)

After an incredible inaugural year that sold out all 5,000 spots in just two weeks after registration launch in 2025, the WhataRun 5K/10K returns to Houston for an even bigger and better race weekend on November 7-8th, 2026. More runners. More swag. More surprises. More Whataburger.

Join thousands of runners, walkers, families, and Whataburger fans from across Texas for two unforgettable mornings packed with iconic race swag, delicious post-race fun, and the one-of-a-kind Whataburger experience that made last year's event one of Houston's hottest race debuts.

Whether you're running, walking, making memories with friends and family, or simply here for the Whataburger, this is the race weekend you won't want to miss.

Registration for the 2026 WhataRun 5K/10K opens soon. If last year taught us anything, you'll want to grab your spot early...

Officially Licensed Event Registration Packets Include:

🏅 An official, can’t miss Whataburger finisher medal (w/ glitter!)

👕 Limited-edition 80% poly/20% cotton short/long sleeve shirt or ladies tank featuring iconic Whataburger style

🎽 Commemorative event timed race bib

🍔 Post-race treats and refreshments (yes, including Whataburger sampling from the Whataburger food truck!)

📸 Instagram-worthy photo ops with Whataburger backdrops, props, including an appearance from Whataguy!

🎉 A fun-filled experience you won’t soon forget…

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)

ALL Event Distances Finish Inside the Addicks Park and Ride! For viewing ease on Strava maps, view on desktop:

5K Course Map (Single Loop Course): CLICK HERE

10K Course Map (Double Loop of 5K Course): CLICK HERE

Kids Dash Course Map (Parking Lot Loop!): CLICK HERE

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 'Course/Parking Map' 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.). Excess parking is available farther down the I-10 feeder road where you turn right onto Old Katy Rd. in some of the business areas (see parking map below for approved parking areas).

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, November 7th & Sunday, November 8th

WHATA🍔Kids Dash Run/Walk begins at 8:00AM

WHATA🍔10K Run begins at 8:15AM

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

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE WHATA🍔5K/10K?

All ages can participate in the event.  Strollers and walkers are also welcome, we just ask that you start in the back of the corral at 8:20am to allow runners to proceed ahead. All participants must finish within the 120 minute timeframe (20 min avg. per mile). Your bib will have a tear-off with a specific color for each event day to gain access, you must come on your specific event day registered for (no exceptions!).

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE WHATA🍔KIDS DASH?

Our Whataburger Kids Dash is an untimed fun run/walk and is limited to children 12 and under. One parent or guardian may escort the child through the route at no cost, but it is not required and parents do not receive finisher swag. 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 (Timed), Tech T-Shirt, Finisher Medal

All Kids Dash Participants Receive: Participant Bib (Untimed), Tech T-Shirt, Finisher 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. 

CHARITABLE PARTNER - HOUSTON CHILDREN'S CHARITY

Our charitable partner of the 2nd Annual Whataburger 'WhataRun 5K/10K' in Houston is Houston Children's Charity.

Houston Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind. Since 1996, through an array of capital and operating support, HCC has provided program services for over 300 agencies and more than 3,000,000 children. A portion of registration proceeds will directly benefit this effort.

PACKET PICK-UP

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

Location: Sun & Ski Sports – Memorial City Mall

​Dates & Times:

Wed., November 4th - 11am-7pm

Thurs., November 5th - 10am-7pm

Fri., November 6th - 10am-7pm

Note: Please limit your pickups to four (4) total packets, including yourself.  If you have a large group to pickup, contact us via email.

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 5K/10K event start time.

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 'Course/Parking Map' in section above 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.). Excess parking is available farther down the I-10 feeder road where you turn right onto Old Katy Rd. in some of the business areas (see parking map for approved parking areas).

Gear Check

There will be no event day gear check.  Please securely store your belongings in your vehicle or leave at home.  Note that this is a public parking lot, so treat it as you would if you were parking elsewhere to avoid any potential theft issues.

Start Line

Follow the 'Course/Parking Map' in section above on this page to the start line area. Everyone starts and finishes 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.

Medical Assistance

Special Thanks to our friends at LifeSavers ER for being our 'Official Medical Partner'! If anyone needs medical attention during the event, notify one of the law enforcement officers stationed along the course or call 911 directly. They will have an EMS service, tent and medical cart provided right near our staging area If you're on the course and need see a fellow runner in need, lets help look out for each other on event day!

Post-Run Refreshments

After you have completed your run/walk, the fun continues! Swing by our post-race hospitality area near the start/finish line for refreshments from Whataburger food truck doing sampling on-site and visit some of our local vendor/sponsor tents!

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 (separate for each event day), including:

Fastest Overall 5K/10K Male & Female: Each wins 52 coupons for a free Whataburger (yes, Whataburger for a year!)

5K/10K Male & Female 1st Place Age-Group Winners: 14 and Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+ - Each 1st place division wins a coupon pack valued at $20 (free WB, Free Taquito, Free BOB, etc.)

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.

Course Etiquette

Please keep "Rules of the Road" in mind when running. If walking during the event, start at 8:25am at the back of the corral and stay to the right of the street at all times. 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.

Our Charitable Partner for the 2nd Year: Houston Children's Charity

Houston Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Greater Houston’s underprivileged, abused, and disabled children who have been otherwise left behind. Since 1996, through an array of capital and operating support, HCC has provided program services for over 300 agencies and more than 3,000,000 children. A portion of registration proceeds will directly benefit this effort. To learn more about the program, click here.

We frequently receive and set-up group requests! Our group program is perfect for neighborhood groups, large/small companies, run/social clubs, schools, family, and friends! You must have a minimum group of 15 or more to receive a unique group/club code for sign up with invoicing options available for the team captain, if needed. Simply contact us at the email below...

Also, if interested in sponsorship opportunities at the event, contact us at: runwhataburger@gmail.com!

Invite your friends, family (and neighbors!) to join you on your adventure alongside you! How to earn back $$$ on your registration:

1. Register for the race. Once you complete your registration, you'll receive a unique URL link to share.

2. Share this unique link with everyone you know!

3. Each time someone signs up through your unique link, you'll earn a referral refund. For each referral, you'll earn $3 credited back to you (maximum of 5 refunds per link to get $15 back!)

4. RunSignUp referral bonuses appear back on your card within a matter of days!!!

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!

To see the opportunities and sign up to volunteer for the event, click here.  

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