2026 Watauga Running Scared 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Capp Smith Park Amphitheater
Watauga, Texas

Get ready to run, walk, or scream at the 2026 Watauga Running Scared 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk!

Hosted by the City of Watauga Parks & Community Services Department, this annual Halloween-themed event offers a fun, family-friendly morning for runners and walkers of all ages.

Choose between the professionally timed 5K Run and the family-friendly 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. Costumes are strongly encouraged, so bring your family, wear your favorite Halloween costume, and enjoy a spooky morning at Capp Smith Park!

Event proceeds support local community initiatives, including Shoes for Kids, a Sertoma Club of Watauga program.

Registration Fees

Register early to receive the lowest available price.

5K Run

Early Registration — Through October 5

• Ages 17 and younger: $20
• Ages 18 and older: $25

Late and Race-Day Registration — Beginning October 6

• Ages 17 and younger: $25
• Ages 18 and older: $30

1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

Early Registration — Through October 5

• Ages 17 and younger: $10
• Ages 18 and older: $15

Late and Race-Day Registration — Beginning October 6

• Ages 17 and younger: $15
• Ages 18 and older: $20

City of Watauga Employee Pricing

City of Watauga employees may register for the 5K Run for $15.

Employee verification may be required during online registration or packet pickup.

Important Registration Dates

• Monday, October 5, 2026: Deadline to guarantee an event shirt
• Tuesday, October 6, 2026: Late registration pricing begins
• Friday, October 16, 2026: Online registration closes
• Saturday, October 17, 2026: Race-day registration available at the event

Participants who register after October 5 may still receive a shirt while supplies last. Shirt availability and preferred sizes are not guaranteed after the deadline.

Registration fees are nonrefundable.

Race-Day Schedule

• 7:00 AM: Packet pickup and race-day registration open
• 8:00 AM: 5K Run starts
• 8:10 AM: 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts
• 9:00 AM: 5K awards ceremony

Race-day registration and packet pickup will take place at the event site.

Packet Pickup

Race Day Only

Packet pickup begins at 7:00 AM at:

Capp Smith Park Pavilion 1

Participants should arrive early enough to pick up their race materials before their event begins.

Race Features

Registration includes access to a fun morning featuring:

• Halloween-themed family activities
• Professionally timed 5K Run
• Untimed 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
• Event shirt for participants registered by the shirt deadline
• 5K overall, masters, and age-group awards
• Music and refreshments
• Family-friendly post-race activities
• Costumes and Halloween fun
• An opportunity to support local community initiatives

5K Awards

Awards will be presented to the:

• Overall Male and Female
• Overall Masters Male and Female

Male and Female Age Groups

12 & Under | 13–15 | 16–18 | 19–24 | 25–29 | 30–34 | 35–39 | 40–44 | 45–49 | 50–54 | 55–59 | 60–64 | 65+

Age-group awards will be presented three deep in each male and female division.

The 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk is a family-friendly, noncompetitive event and will not include age-group awards.

Costumes

Costumes are strongly encouraged!

Please make sure your costume is safe for running or walking and does not restrict your vision or movement.

Route Maps

• 5K Route: Coming soon
• 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk Route: Coming soon

Additional Event Information

• Participants may run or walk either event.
• The 5K Run will be professionally timed.
• The 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will be untimed.
• Children participating in the Fun Run/Walk should remain under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
• Strollers are welcome but should begin near the back of the starting group.
• Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times.
• Registration fees are nonrefundable.