HOUSTON – Houston’s sweetest fun run is back!
If you need a reason to train between now and fall, Shipley Donuts is offering one — and it comes with a side of community impact. The company’s annual Donut Dash returns to Sam Houston Race Park on Saturday, Oct. 17, with organizers aiming to raise $5,000 or more for Kids’ Meals.
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Kids’ Meals is a Houston-area nonprofit that delivers free, healthy meals to more than 13,000 food-insecure preschoolers across Greater Houston every weekday, according to event organizers. The nonprofit notes that $2 can provide one healthy meal for a child.
Race times and location
- 10K: 7 a.m.
- 5K: 8 a.m.
- Kids Dash: 9:45 a.m.
- Where: Sam Houston Race Park
You can register at the sign-up link here.
The Donut Dash has grown into a lively, family-friendly race day, pairing traditional road-race competition with playful donut flair. Participants can expect race shirts, donut-themed medals, and complimentary donuts and mini kolaches offered along the route with cold brew coffee at the finish line.
Competitive runners will also have something to chase: awards for top male and female finishers across race categories and age groups.
Shipley CEO Flynn Dekker said the company is expanding the event after last year’s turnout.
“After the incredible response to the Shipley Donut Dash in 2025, we’re bringing this event back bigger this fall. What started as a fun, community race has quickly evolved into a meaningful event rallying our hometown around the fight against food insecurity. This year, we’re building upon the momentum to deepen our impact, engage more participants and continue to support Kids’ Meals’ mission to feed preschoolers in Houston.”
Flynn Dekker
The event drew a record 1,500-plus runners last year and is expected to grow again. Runners who can’t make it to Houston can still take part through a virtual race option, available while spots last.
The event includes three distances — a 10K, a 5K and a kids dash — and organizers say a portion of each registration fee will go to Kids’ Meals through Shipley’s partnership with Adrenaline Special Events, the race production company.
Kids’ Meals CEO Beth Braniff Harp said the partnership helps keep attention on the need — and the families behind it.
“Childhood hunger continues to affect thousands of families across Houston, and this community’s generosity keeps stepping up to meet that need. We’re proud to stand alongside Shipley Donuts again this fall as the Donut Dash grows into one of Houston’s most impactful charitable events, moving us closer to a hunger-free future for the children who need it most.”
Beth Braniff Harp