13th Annual Dia de los Muertos 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run at Hernandez Elementary

Celebrate Día de los Muertos through fitness, remembrance, and community at the 13th Annual Dia de los Muertos 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 31, beginning at 8 am. Hosted at Hernandez Elementary in San Marcos, this annual event honors the traditions of Day of the Dead while bringing together runners, walkers, families, and supporters for a meaningful morning.

Proceeds benefit the Johnnie T. Rosales Memorial Scholarship, a nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to graduating San Marcos High School seniors. This year’s event will also honor the late Mrs. Amanda Ruiz in recognition of her many years of service to the San Marcos community. Participants can wear their favorite Day of the Dead running attire, sponsor a memory board in honor of a loved one, or submit a name and photo for the event’s Day of the Dead altar. Guests can also take photos with the event mascots, Catrina and Juanito, and enjoy music by DJ Jesse “The Jammer” Cruz.

Race-day activities begin with packet pickup at 7 am, followed by opening remarks and the honoree announcement at 7:30 am, a group warm-up at 7:50 am, and the 5K Run/Walk at 8 am. The Kids Fun Run starts at 9 am, with awards presented at 9:30 am.

The 5K entry fee is $40 for registrations from October 16 through race day. The Kids Fun Run is free for children ages 1–10, who will receive a treat bag and compete for age-group awards. The 5K includes overall, masters, grand masters, and age-group awards. Team awards will not be offered in 2026.

Packet pickup is also available Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8 pm at Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee Street. Race-day registration is available online. T-shirt availability and sizes are not guaranteed after October 9, and the event will take place rain or shine unless extreme weather or a natural disaster requires cancellation.

Hernandez Elementary is located at 333 Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos, Texas. For registration and additional details, visit https://www.athleteguild.com/event/san-marcos-tx/2026-13th-annual-dia-de-los-muertos-5k-runwalk-kids-fun-run. Questions can be directed to race director Celia Rosales at diadelosmuertos5K@gmail.com.