The Oktoberfest 5k Challenge is a running race on October 3, 2026 in Columbus, MS, with entry fees from $30 to $40.
From the Organizer
Get ready to run, eat, drink, and celebrate at The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge!
Join us at Munson’s on Saturday, October 3, for two festive 5Ks benefiting the YMCA. Whether you’re looking for family fun at the 9:00 Donut Race or to start the morning beer-chugging at the 10:30 Beer Race, The Oktoberfest Challenge promises a morning of festive fun, friendly competition and memorable moments for all.
THE FAMILY DONUT 5K — 9:00 A.M.
THE BEER 5K — 10:30 A.M.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Register by September 25th to guarantee your official Oktoberfest Challenge T-shirt. Shirts and preferred sizes cannot be guaranteed after the deadline.
Come run for a great cause, enjoy the Oktoberfest atmosphere, and help us support the YMCA. Serious runners, casual joggers, families, and relay teams are all welcome!
Weather
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
83°
Typical Low
60°
Chance of Rain
19%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Columbus, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
23,616
as of 2023
City Elevation
188 ft
Nearest Airport
GTR
Golden Triangle Regional Airport · 11 mi
Major Hub
BHM
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport · 96 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Oktoberfest 5k Challenge, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
60
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
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.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Oktoberfest 5k Challenge
Oct 3, 2026