The Race 2026

The Race 2026: ROOTED

The Race 2026 is coming, and this year we are celebrating what keeps us grounded and growing strong. Year 9 centers on being ROOTED in community, culture, and purpose. Since 2018, The Race has built a powerful foundation of wellness, unity, economic impact, and cultural pride, and we are excited to honor those roots as we continue to evolve.

The Race weekend offers more than a run. It is a high energy experience focused on connection and impact. Participants can enjoy a vibrant expo, a world class half marathon and 5K, and virtual options for runners and walkers everywhere. The weekend also includes our Community Impact Service Day, where volunteers and partners come together to support meaningful work in local neighborhoods.

The Race is created for the culture and powered by the community. Join us for Year 9 and be part of a movement that is rooted in purpose and built to grow.

The Race 2026 Weekend
Thursday, October 1st – Welcome  Day & Night
Friday, October 2nd– The Race Expo, Packet Pick Up, & Meet & Greet
Saturday, October 3rd– The Race Half Marathon + 5K
Sunday, October 4th – Community Impact Service Day + The Race Day Party!

Visit www.theraceuc.com for more information on Venue Addresses, Hotel Accommodations, Sponsor Partner Opportunities, Volunteering, and more.

In-Person Half Marathon & 5K registration Includes:

• The Race participant shirt, medallion, commemorative race bib, & patch
• Access to The Race Expo, Social & Speaker Events
• Chipped timed Half Marathon & 5K road race
• Contribution to The Race Charitable Impact Fund
• Access to The Race Community Impact Service Day Projects + earn the The Race CISD patch

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Virtual Half Marathon & 5K registration Includes:

• The Race participant shirt, medallion, commemorative race bib, & patch
• Packet shipping included
• Access to virtual results reporting
• Contribution to The Race Charitable Impact Fund

Planning and Updates Timeline:

-All registrations are transferable, however NON-REFUNDABLE. Please only sign up if you are 100% sure you are prepared to participate in The Race 2026 in the format selected.  There will not be refunds issued on registrations due to changes in race presentation.

-All packets must be picked up at The Race Expo on Friday, October 2nd.  Unclaimed packets will be forfeited for participation in The Race 2026.

-Deadline to transfer your race to Virtual is September 30th at midnight. Follow instructions HERE. Please note that In-Person participant packets will not be mailed out. Unclaimed packets will be forfeited for The Race 2026 experience.

-Add The Race Retreat! experience to your registration. The Race Retreat features: Exclusive Welcome Day Experience, Custom made Tote Bag, post- race pampering + food +drink, and more TBA.

 
Registration & Pricing Schedule. 

• November 28th – Black Friday Registration Opens - $79 Half - $29 5K The Race Retreat $35
  
• November 29th – January 19th - $85 Half - $45 5K, The Race Retreat $50
• January 20th - July 31st - $90 Half - $50 5K, The Race Retreat $50
• August 1st – August 31st - $100 Half - $55 5K, The Race Retreat $50
• September 1st – October 2nd (or sell out) - $110 Half - $55 5K, The Race Retreat $50
• October 2nd at The Race EXPO (if available) - $110 Half -  $55 5K

• The Race Virtual Pricing Schedule $76 VIRTUAL Half, $36 VIRTUAL 5K (includes shipping) -How to convert your registration from In-Person to Virtual or From Virtual to In-Person (by 9/25/2026)  

How to Change your Race from 5K to Half Marathon or Half Marathon to 5K (by 9/30/2026)

How to Transfer your registration to someone else (by 9/30/2026)

Visit www.theraceuc.com for information on Venue Addresses, Hotel Accommodations, Sponsor Partner Opportunities, Volunteering, and more.

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About The Race

In November of 2017, The Race presented by The Unity Collective Kickstarter campaign to #BackTheRace was announced. 

Throughout the 6 week campaign, over 700 runners/walkers/supporters eagerly made history by becoming backers to kickstart the funding and vision of The Race. 

And...October 11 - 14, 2018 the Unity Collective hosted an inaugural race event like NO other! Participants came from all over to run, support, and give back to black owned businesses, neighborhoods, and charities.

October 3-6th The Race 2019 #Impact + #Elevate was successfully executed!

October 1st-4th The Race 2020 #EXCELLENCE 

September  30th- October 3rd  The Race 2021 #UNITY

September 29th-October 2nd - The Race 2022 #ALLLOVE

October 5th-8th - The Race 2023 #REPRESENT

October 3rd-6th - The Race 2024 #CULTURE

October 2nd - 5th - The Race 2025 #ENDURANCE

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Charitable Impact 

The Race Foundation

The Race Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Race.

The Race Foundation, through its activities and giving, empower, support, and uplift Charitable Partners and Small Businesses Partners, with an emphasis on partners representing Black people and underserved communities in the realm of health, wellness, and access to health & wellness resources.

The Race Foundation will positively impact the community in the following manner:

• Service projects will be organized and executed in partnership with local charities and organizations
• Curate a robust expo featuring small and Black-Owned businesses and expose a motivated audience to patronize those businesses
• The Race weekend will conclude with a Charitable Impact Service Project and Wrap Up Party on Sunday, October 4th!
• $5 of EVERY race registration fee will put into a Charitable Impact Fund and given directly to community charities and organizations within the neighborhoods we run through and that support The Race initiative.
• Participants will have an opportunity to earmark donations directed to Charity Partners via RunSignUp Donations.