37th Annual YMCA Run Thru the Woods
About the race
A local Thanksgiving morning tradition, YMCA Run Thru the Woods has supported local non-profits with the goal of strengthening The Woodlands, Spring and Oak Ridge communities for 36 years.
The event brings thousands of community members together for entertainment and run/walks designed for all ages. Over the years, more than $4 million dollars has been raised.
Courses & distances
5 Mile Race
Distance: 5 Miles
Starts: Thu, Nov 26 · 8:15 AM
Strollers are welcomed.
Service Dogs are Welcomed.
Pets are NOT Allowed.
For registrations received after Nov. 1, 2026, we cannot guarantee you will receive your preferred shirt size. Limited sizes and quantities available.
3 Mile Race
Distance: 3 Miles
Starts: Thu, Nov 26 · 8:25 AM
Strollers are welcomed.
Service Dogs are Welcomed.
Pets are NOT Allowed.
For registrations received after Nov. 1, 2026, we cannot guarantee you will receive your preferred shirt size. Limited sizes and quantities available.
3 Mile Walk
Distance: 3 Miles
Starts: Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM
Strollers are welcomed.
Service Dogs are Welcomed.
Pets are NOT Allowed.
For registrations received after Nov. 1, 2026, we cannot guarantee you will receive your preferred shirt size. Limited sizes and quantities available.
1 Mile Kids Race
Distance: 1 Mile
Starts: Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM
Strollers are welcomed.
Service Dogs are Welcomed.
Pets are NOT Allowed.
For registrations received after Nov. 1, 2026, we cannot guarantee you will receive your preferred shirt size. Limited sizes and quantities available.
Parent Running with Child in 1 Mile Race. This is for the Parent Only.
Distance: 1 Mile
Starts: Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM
ALERT: This is for the PARENT Only wanting to accompany their child in the 1 Mile Race. You must register your child in the 1 Mile Race Event.
Parents can run their the registered child in the Kids Run without registering. Parents must register if they want a shirt and medal.
Parents in this category are not timed.
Parents: If you are currently registered as a Walker or as a Runner in the 3 Mile or 5 Mile, you do not need to register again to run with your child. The 1 mile race is first so you can join your child and also participate in any of the other events!
Strollers are welcomed.
Service Dogs are welcomed.
Pets are NOT Allowed.
For registrations received after Nov. 1, 2026, we cannot guarantee you will receive your preferred shirt size. Limited sizes and quantities available.
What is included
- Run Thru The Woods shirt
- Custom finisher medal
- Race bib
- Chip timing with results and awards (select races)
- Photo opportunities
- Post-race snacks
- Plenty of fun
About the Woodlands Family YMCA annual campaign
The YMCA Annual Campaign helps everyone, regardless of age, income or background, have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the Y.
Programs include life-saving swim lessons, after school care, support services and outreach programs, summer day camp and youth sports.
The course
Location
City insight: The Woodlands
The Woodlands is a planned community north of Houston, Texas, set among pine forest, with many trails and a waterway. The climate is humid subtropical: summers (June to September) are hot and humid, autumn is warm, winters (December to February) are mild, and spring is warm with storms. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for racing, with early starts in summer. It is about 45 minutes from Houston by road.
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