37th Annual YMCA Run Thru The Woods Running for a Cause since 1989 on Thanksgiving Morning

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- YMCA Run Thru The Woods has been one of the premier running and walking family events in Texas for 37 years. A popular holiday tradition, held on Thanksgiving morning in The Woodlands, the event attracts more than 5700 participants annually from around the country.

Though the event began in 1989, it was Thanksgiving, 1996 that was the pivotal year. Thirty years ago, the race was rebranded as YMCA Run Thru the Woods and the race location moved to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. We are forever thankful to The Pavilion leadership, staff and board for their amazing support, generosity and hospitality, over the last 3 decades, as the event venue. Their partnership has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the event. The YMCA is proud to recognize this 30 year anniversary including The CWM Pavilion image in the 2026 race logo.

Running for a CAUSE: The annual event has raised more than $4,000,000 since it began. Funds raised supports local YMCA programs and services such as Healthy Families, Youth Development, Teen Leadership, Safety Around Water, The Arts, Food Insecurity, Social Isolation, Learning Gaps, Health Disparities, and Racial Inequity. Thank you to our generous sponsors who support running for a cause: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Houston Methodist Hospital The Woodlands, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, BMW of The Woodlands, Excelerate Energy, Fleet Feet, Spectrum Events, and T-Shirts Plus.

The event is Thanksgiving Morning, November 26, 2026, at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands Town Center. Start and Finish Line is located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive. Designed for everyone, regardless of fitness level, to participate, categories and start times include a competitive one-mile Children’s Race, for ages 2-12, starting at 7:30 a.m.; a five-mile race at 8:15 a.m.; and a three-mile race and three-mile walk starting at 8:25 a.m. Wear your favorite Thanksgiving costume. Strollers are welcomed but please leave your bikes and pets, (exception is service animals) at home.

Awards include special prize package to the overall top three finishers, male and female, in both the five-mile run and three-mile run. Awards will be awarded to the first, second, and third place finishers, male and female, in each age group including five-mile, five-mile masters division, three mile race, and three-mile masters division. In the one-mile children’s race, first through third place awards will be distributed to the top three finishers overall and in each age group, male and female. A special finisher medal will be handed out at the finish line to all participants.

“Over the years, this popular holiday event has never lost touch with its mission: To provide a fun community event for all ages and all levels, promoting youth development, healthy living, community service and social responsibility as well as raising awareness and funds for the deserving youth organizations the event supports,” said Blake Kelly, Community Development Director of The Woodlands Family YMCAs. “Give Back. Give Thanks. Have Fun. Let’s RUN! YMCA Run Thru The Woods is a great way to begin Thanksgiving Day and kick off the holiday season. There’s the excitement of thousands of people pulling together with purpose, and it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, to encourage each other, and give thanks and support local nonprofits, including the YMCA. Now, more than ever, we need opportunities to reconnect and find purpose in our lives! We live in a very generous and caring community.”

Register Early and Save. Registration ends at 5pm on Wednesday, November 25. There is no race day morning registration. To learn more and register for YMCA Run Thru The Woods, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/TheWoodlands/RunThruWoods
or call 281-367-9622.

Due to the exciting growth and record participation at last year’s event we are adjusting our event operations. To ensure a smooth, safe, and on-time start for everyone, we will no longer be offering race day packet pickup. All participants must pick up their race bib, timing chip, and event shirt prior to race day.

Packet Pick Up will be available at the Shadowbend YMCA, 6145 Shadowbend Place in the Woodlands, November 21 – 25.
Saturday, Nov. 21: 10am – 5pm.
Sunday, Nov. 22: 1pm - 4pm.
Monday, Nov. 23: 9am – 7pm.
Tuesday, Nov. 24: 9am – 7pm
Wednesday, Nov. 25:8am – 6pm

Volunteer opportunities still available. For more information contact Blake Kelly, 281-367-9622, or blake.kelly@ymcahouston.org.