Day of the Dead Half Marathon Houston

The Day of the Dead Half Marathon Houston takes place on October 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The Kids Dash opens the morning at 7:55 a.m., ahead of a shared 8:00 a.m. start for the half marathon (13.1 miles / 21.1 km), the quarter marathon (6.55 miles / 10.5 km), the 5K (3.1 miles) and the 1-mile run. Organized by Bigfoot Running Company, the race winds through Texas parks with aid stations along the course; medals, T-shirts and awards are handed out to participants.

An October half marathon in Houston is still a hot, humid race: adjust your goal pace down from a winter target and plan your hydration from the very first aid stations rather than at halfway. For a first half marathon, allow 10 to 12 weeks of training with a long run that builds gradually to 10 or 11 miles (16 to 18 km). A Día de los Muertos costume contest, live music and Mexican food keep the celebration going after the finish.