Frisco is an active community. Glance down the sidewalks of our city any Saturday or Sunday morning and you’ll see runners and walkers of every age, shape, size and speed getting in their miles. Therefore it comes as no surprise that you can find 5K events on the local calendar throughout the year.
Whether you’re a walker, new to running, or a local elite, these 5Ks provide a great opportunity to enjoy the sport right in your own backyard!
Fall
It’s often said that fall PRs (Personal Records) are made during summer training. If you pounded the pavement through the dog days of summer and you’re ready to test out that theory, check out one of these fall events in Frisco!
Annual MUWA Foundation Race
MUWA, meaning Seed of Hope, was founded to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged young people in Kenya, through education and mentorship. The 5K and 1 mile fun race begins in Frisco Square.
Frisco Arts Walk and Run
An arts-themed 5K along the beautiful grounds of Hall Park, participants of the Frisco Arts Walk and Run will be surrounded and inspired by the art of the Hall Collection. The run route will include pop-up music, artists, and dancers, and the winners in each category will receive a unique 10 x 10 original work of art by local artists.
FEF Gary Burns 5k and Fun Run
Pictured: FISD Coach Bustamante and her daughter Coach Compton at the Gary Burns Annual Fun Run
Named for former Frisco Assistant Fire Chief Gary Burns, who died of colon cancer in 1999, this event is a community favorite. Proceeds from the event go towards grants for innovative teachers and scholarship opportunities for Frisco ISD students. Read more about the background of the event in our full profile of the 2017 event.
North Texas Turkey Trot
A Thanksgiving Day tradition in Frisco Square that has been growing for many years, this race is a great way to kick off the holiday with family and friends. Benefitting The Miracle League of Frisco, the event offers a 10K trot, 5K trot, and a Miracle Mile for kids.
Winter
In my opinion, with our relatively mild winters, this is a wonderful season for running in Texas. Outfitted properly (think fleece-lined tights and ear warmers) you really can walk or run even on our coldest days!
Frosty 5k and Merry Mile
This fun Frisco tradition is a great way to kick of the Merry Main Street festivities. The S.O.A.R. (Scholarship Opportunities for Activities and Recreation) Charitable Fund receives a portion of the proceeds from this event, allowing qualified Frisco residents to participate in rec programs at no cost.
Frisco Trail Race
In the summer of 2018, Frisco got its first trail race! The event, which included a 5K, 10K and 15K, takes place at the Northwest Community DORBA Trail. The inaugural race was a great success. A little birdie told me there are plans to continue this race on an annual basis, but it is likely being moved to February to take advantage of cooler temps.
Spring
Ahhh…that glorious time to run when it’s not too hot and not too cold, but just right (said Goldilocks…). Well get out and enjoy it, because we all know those temperatures can climb quickly. And don’t underestimate the need to hydrate for these spring runs. Even 70º is hot when you’re racing hard!
Paddy Dash
Hosted by the Frisco Sunrise Rotary Club, this long-standing tradition is a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The event even has a 50-yard dash for the littlest leprechauns, so bring the whole family!
Texas Big Star
Texas Big Star Half Marathon
Ok, so the big event here is the half marathon. But, if you haven’t quite built up to that distance yet, the Texas Big Star does offer a 5K run as well. Either distance is a great opportunity to be involved with an outstanding running community and to support the North Texas Community Giving Foundation. Read more about the local event founders and beneficiaries here.
Run Like a Mother
Lifestyle Frisco Contributing Writer Karen Fish and her son, Parker
This has become a traditional part of Mother’s Day celebration for my family. Usually held the Saturday before Mother’s Day, the kids get to enjoy a one mile race before the 5K event (and earn 1st, 2nd and 3rd pace medals!). Plus they have a sweet carnation at the finish line for all the moms completing the race.
Summer
There’s no denying it – summer running in Texas is tough. But you’re tougher, right? Hydrate, listen to your body and slow down. Maintaining your running during the summer can pay off with big gains when the temps cool off. And even if you take it slow, these summer races are a lot of fun with friends!
Hotter ‘n Firecrackers 5K Glow Run
Part of the annual Frisco Freedom Fest weekend, runners light up the night with glow sticks, neon gear and LED lights for this fun 4th of July event (usually held July 3rd). And you’ll keep your pace up along the course with the help of the energizing beat of electronic music.
Hula Hustle
Ok, so this race is technically in Little Elm, but it’s just over the border so I’m giving it an Honorable Mention! I ran this as a new event in 2018. Yes it was hot, but the course along Lake Park Trail is very pretty. Plus, they had cold towels for each runner at the finish line. Topped off with a funky, tropical medal and post-race festivities at Hula Hut, this was a really fun race.
Did we miss your favorite Frisco 5k? Please let us know about it in the comments section below!
Related Articles:
Frisco Arts Walk Speeds Up to a Run
11 Chances to Run Off Those Holiday Goodies
Texas Big Star Half Marathon and 5K Benefits Local Non-Profits
