Mardi Gras Madness - Houston

Location Confirmed: Oyster Creek Park

🎭 Mardi Gras Madness 🎭
Let the Good Times Run!

Laissez les bons temps rouler — let the good times roll… or better yet, let the good times run! The Mardi Gras Madness 5K / 10K is your chance to hit the streets Big Easy–style, with beads flying, music pumping, and every mile feeling like a Bourbon Street parade.

Hosted by Bigfoot Running Company, this isn’t just another run — it’s a full-on Mardi Gras party with all the fixings: over-the-top medals, stylish tees, high-energy staff, and the legendary Bigfoot Trophy. From start to finish, you’ll be cheered, celebrated, and showered in Mardi Gras spirit.

And when you cross the line, the party ain’t over — head to the Race Rally Tent, where our DJ will be spinning the hits, announcing every runner like royalty, and keeping the celebration rolling. Grab some snacks, raise a toast, and dance your way into the awards ceremony.

 
🏅 What You Get
Blinged-out finisher medal and festive race tee for ALL participants (all distances).
Youth pricing: 12 & under are only $15 in the 5K & 10K!
Referral Bonus: Get a $20 refund when you refer 5 friends.
Group Discounts: Bring your krewe — the bigger your squad, the bigger your discount!
 
📏 Race Distances

👣 Kids Dash
Our littlest runners — or as we call them, Petit Yetis — get their own moment in the spotlight!

~50 meters, designed for ages 10 & under.
Includes tee shirt and a special Bigfoot Kids Dash Medal.
Non-timed, full of cheers and camera flashes as the crowd goes wild.
Professional photos to capture this first taste of Mardi Gras race magic.

🏃 1 Mile
Open to all ages & experience levels.
Not chip timed — just a joyride through Mardi Gras madness.
Includes tee shirt & medal.

🏃‍♀️ 5K (3.11 miles)
Chip timed.
Awards:

1st Overall Male & Female – Bigfoot Trophy
1st Masters (40+) Male & Female – Recognition Pin
Standard Age Group Awards (see below)

🏃‍♂️ 10K (6.22 miles)
Chip timed.
Awards:

1st Overall Male & Female – Bigfoot Trophy
1st Masters (40+) Male & Female – Recognition Pin
Standard Age Group Awards (see below)
 
🏆 Age Group Awards (5K & 10K)
1st Overall M/F – Trophy fit for Mardi Gras royalty
1st Masters 40+ M/F – Special Recognition Pin
Age Groups (M/F):

10 & Under, 11–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70+
Each Age Group: 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, 3rd Bronze Award Pin
 
👕 Shirt Guarantee
Register 10 days before race day to guarantee your shirt size! After that, it’s lagniappe (a little something extra) if shirts remain.

🎷 Mardi Gras Costume Contest 🎷
Think you’ve got the most Mardi Gras spirit? Prove it before the race begins!

Pull out all the stops — beads, feathers, sequins, masks, wigs — the wilder the better. Contestants will show off their outfits at the start line, and the audience will crown the winner with their cheers.

🏆 The loudest cheers = the crown!
The winner will receive a Bigfoot Prize Pack and the honor of being named the official Grand Marshal of Mardi Gras Madness, leading the race parade-style just like in New Orleans.

So go big, go bold, and let the good times (and costumes) roll! 🎭✨

🎭 On-Course Festivities
This race is a moving second line parade 🎺🎶.

Aid stations are more than just hydration stops — they’re mini Mardi Gras block parties.
Volunteers will toss out Mardi Gras beads so you can run draped in purple, green, and gold.
Shout out “Throw me somethin’, mister!” and keep your collection growing with every mile.
 
📅 Event Schedule
7:30–8:45am – Packet Pickup
8:55am – Kids Dash (meet at the start line and we’ll walk participants out to the starting area)
9:00am – National Anthem & Race Start (with a Mardi Gras twist 🎷)
 
🥇 Awards Ceremony – Given Live as You Finish!
At Mardi Gras Madness, we believe every achievement deserves a spotlight moment. That’s why our awards are handed out live, right after you cross the finish line. You’ll be immediately recognized for your accomplishment — no long wait required.

This setup means you’re free to celebrate however you’d like:

Stick around, throw on your beads, and cheer for others as they finish 🎉
Or, if your stomach is calling, head out for a well-earned brunch in true New Orleans fashion 🍳🥂
Either way, you’ll leave with your award in hand, your name announced, and your accomplishment celebrated!

 
🙌 Volunteer Options

Volunteer then Run (5K only)
Includes bib, shirt, & finisher medal.
Help for ~1.5 hrs before the race, run the 5K, then assist with awards.
Limited to the first 10 signups!

Full Race Volunteer (Non-Running Option)
👉 Please note: Full Race Volunteers will not be running in this race. This role is dedicated entirely to helping put on the event. If you want to both volunteer and run, sign up for the Volunteer then Run option above.

Earn a Bigfoot race shirt, VIP access, and your choice of:

Free entry to a future race, or
$20 prepaid digital gift card.

Volunteer Roles:

Water Station Krewe – Keep cups filled, beads flying, and energy high.
Course Monitor Parade Captain – Direct runners and keep them safe, jazz-band style.
Finish Line Helper – Help welcome finishers like kings and queens.
Turtle/Sweeper – Walk with the last runner, keeping the parade together.
Packet Pickup / Results Tent – The hub of the action.
Floater – Hand out medals, snacks, or join the bead toss fun.
Lead Bike – Lead the way like the front of a second line band.
Bigfoot Mascot – The life of the party at the finish line — high fives, photos, and fun!
Volunteers arrive 1.5 hrs before start time & check in at the Registration Tent.

 
🌧️ Race Policies & Course Info
Rain or shine, hot or cold — Mardi Gras doesn’t stop for weather, and neither do we!
Packet pickup is always offered 1.5 hrs before start. Any additional dates will be emailed 1 week before race day.
Courses are typically held at parks and greenbelts. Expect mostly paved trails, with a little lagniappe of crushed granite or dirt.
 
🎭 Join us for Mardi Gras Madness — beads flying, music pumping, and memories made. Let the Good Times Run! 🎭

*Bigfoot races proceed rain, shine, hot or cold.

Packet pickup is always offered for 1.5 hours before the event start time. If an additional packet pickup is scheduled it will be communicated via email to all registered participants a minimum of 1 week before the race. 

Bigfoot Running Company races are typically held at parks and green belts. We make every attempt to stay on paved trails but mixed course surfaces should be expected. You may run on pavement, crushed granite and when unavoidable dirt paths.