Back to School 5K
- Date
- July 25, 2026
- Location
- 3400 SE Leisure Ln, Topeka, KS
- Distance
- Sneakers & Smiles Back to School 5k
From the Organizer
1st Annual Back to School 5K Run/Walk
Lace up and make an impact at our 1st Annual Back to School 5K Run/Walk! This fun, family-friendly event brings our community together to help local students start the school year prepared and confident. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome—whether you’re aiming for a personal best, walking with friends and family, or simply coming out to support the cause. Strollers are encouraged, and everyone is welcome.
Participants who register by 12:00 PM on July 4, 2026 will receive an event t-shirt and finisher medal. Registrations received after this deadline are still welcome but will not include these items.
Each participant will also receive a refreshing Dole Whip soft serve from Pineapple Dream—perfect for celebrating at the finish line!
Participants are encouraged to bring donations of school supplies and new or gently used shoes to support children in our community. Every mile you complete—and every item you give—helps provide the essentials students need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Together, we’re putting sneakers on their feet, supplies in their hands, and smiles on their faces.
We can’t wait to see you at the starting line!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
89°
Typical Low
69°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Topeka - Nws, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Topeka, KS
Population
126,103
as of 2023
Elevation
945 ft
Nearest Airport
MHK
Manhattan Regional Airport · 52 mi
Major Hub
MCI
Kansas City International Airport · 56 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Back to School 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Topeka, KS
Mater Dei PTO's 0.5K & Post Race Party
5K
Less than a mile away
2026 Fiesta Topeka 5K
5K
Less than a mile away
General Lewis W. Walt Detachment – Marine Corps League 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
3rd Annual PPP3CA Race for Rare 5k Run/Walk
5K
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Back to School 5K?
- Back to School 5K is a running race held in Topeka, Kansas on July 25, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Back to School 5K?
- Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Topeka, Kansas at 3400 SE Leisure Ln, Topeka, KS. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Back to School 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Back to School 5K
Jul 25, 2026