The Third Ward Mile: Houston's 1-Mile Road Race on Emancipation Ave
Inaugural USATF sanctioned
1-mile road race in the Tre.
Walk, jog or run down an epic
stretch of Emancipation Ave.
NOVEMBER 28, 2026
HOUSTON, TX
Rooted in movement, culture, wellness, and community, The Third Ward Mile invites Houstonians and visitors alike to experience the neighborhood from the street, whether walking, jogging, running, or racing down an epic stretch of Emancipation Avenue.
The race welcomes participants ages 6 and older across all abilities and experience levels, creating an opportunity for the entire community to move together.
Race-day programming includes youth heats, open divisions, an elite race, and a community walk, offering multiple ways to participate and celebrate the spirit of Third Ward.
EVENT INFORMATION
OFFICIAL PHILANTHROPIC PARTNER
birthFUND is the official philanthropic partner of the inaugural Third Ward Mile.
The Third Ward Mile and birthFUND have joined forces around a shared belief that stronger communities start with investing in the people and families who sustain them. As the race’s Title Philanthropic Partner, birthFUND gives that belief a tangible expression, channeling the energy and visibility of race weekend toward meaningful support for mothers and families.
birthFUND is a maternal health nonprofit founded by award-winning journalist and author Elaine Welteroth to expand information and access to high-quality midwifery care as a data-backed solution to the maternal mortality crisis in America. birthFUND directly funds midwifery-led birth services for families of all backgrounds, provides structural support for birth centers across the country, and leads the national conversation to improve birth outcomes.
RACE DETAILS
SATURDAY,
NOVEMBER 28, 2026
8:00 AM
HOUSTON, TX
Third Ward is one of Houston’s oldest and most significant neighborhoods, with a rich history and cultural legacy that continues to shape the community today.
On Saturday, November 28, 2026, that legacy takes to Emancipation Avenue with The Third Ward Mile, Houston’s inaugural USA Track & Field-sanctioned 1-mile road race.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7:00AM - 10:00AM
The Third Ward Mile Athlete's Village featuring warm-up zone, pre-race hydration, same-day registration, and more. Open for participants, coaches, and families. Located at 5000 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77003.
8:00AM - 12:00PM
The Third Ward Mile Finishers Village featuring the birthFUND family zone, race partners, community organizations, local businesses, food, music, and post-race fellowship. Open for participants, coaches, families, spectators, and the community. Located at Emancipation Park Conservancy (3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004)
Awards ceremony & main stage programming will start at 10:00AM
RUNNING & WALKING HEATS
8:00AM - Youth Girls Run (6-12 years old)
8:15AM - Youth Boys Run (6-12 years old)
8:30AM - Open Womens Run (13+)
8:45AM - Open Mens Run (13+)
9:00AM - Womens Invitational (invite only based on time)
9:15AM - Mens Invitational (invite only based on time)
9:30AM - birthFUND Community Walk
*heats & start times subject to change
Frequently Asked Questions
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Third Ward’s inaugural USA Track & Field sanctioned 1-mile road race on Emancipation Avenue in the historic Third Ward for all runners, joggers, and walkers 6 years old or older.
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Saturday, November 28, 2026
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In the heart of Third Ward in Houston, TX. Starting line near Arbor St on Emancipation Ave and ending at Rosalie St.
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RUNNING & WALKING HEATS
8:00AM - Youth Girls (6-12 years old)
8:15AM - Youth Boys (6-12 years old)
8:30AM - Open Womens (13+)
8:45AM - Open Mens (13+)
9:00AM - Womens Invitational (Invite only based on time)
9:15AM - Mens Invitational (Invite only based on time)
9:30AM - birthFUND Community Walk
*heats & start times subject to changeSCHEDULE
7:00AM - 10:00AM
The Third Ward Mile Athlete's Village featuring warm-up zone, pre-race hydration, same-day registration, and more. Open for participants, coaches, and families. Located at 5000 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77003.
8:00AM - 12:00PM
The Third Ward Mile Finishers Village featuring birthFUND family zone, race partners, community organizations, local businesses, food, music, and post-race fellowship. Open for participants, coaches, families, spectators, and the community. Located at Emancipation Park Conservancy (3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004)
10:00am
Awards ceremony & main stage programming begins
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Runners, joggers, and walkers 6 years old or older. Children under 6 are welcome to join the community walk alongside a registered adult. Strollers and walking devices are allowed in the jog/walk heat only.
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To be announced. Stay connected with us at @ThirdWardMile on Instagram for updates.
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Participating in a USATF road race generally will not affect your NCAA eligibility as long as you follow all NCAA rules regarding amateurism, such as not receiving compensation for competing, and meet the academic requirements to be eligible for college athletics; however, it's crucial to always check with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure your specific situation complies with their guidelines.
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The Third Ward Mile starts on Emancipation Avenue & Arbor Street and finishes at the intersection of Emancipation Avenue & Rosalie Street in front of the Emancipation Park Conservancy.
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Registration fee is $35.
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Yes, on-site only.
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No, only walking devices are allowed on the course.
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Wheelchairs are allowed and welcome in the birthFUND Community Walk heat only.
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Yes! Kids between the age of 6 - 12 years old (on the day of the race) may participate in the Third Ward Mile youth heat. Children under 6 are welcome to join the community walk alongside a registered adult. Strollers and walking devices are allowed in the jog/walk heat only.
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Yes, packet pick-up allows participants to “check-in” prior to the event. During packet pick-up, participants are given items such as running bib, official event t-shirt, and goodie bags with items for race partners. Details about packet pick-up will be emailed to participants prior to race week. Stay connected with us at @ThirdWardMile on Instagram for updates. Details will be emailed to registered participants.
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Yes, birthFUND is the official philanthropic partner of the inaugural Third Ward Mile.
The Third Ward Mile and birthFUND have joined forces around a shared belief that stronger communities start with investing in the people and families who sustain them. As the race’s Title Philanthropic Partner, birthFUND gives that belief a tangible expression, channeling the energy and visibility of race weekend toward meaningful support for mothers and families.
birthFUND is a maternal health nonprofit founded by award-winning journalist and author Elaine Welteroth to expand information and access to high-quality midwifery care as a data-backed solution to the maternal mortality crisis in America. birthFUND directly funds midwifery-led birth services for families of all backgrounds, provides structural support for birth centers across the country, and leads the national conversation to improve birth outcomes.
WANT TO BE A
VOLUNTEER?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Third Ward Mile.
We are so grateful for your support and we look forward to this experience in Third Ward with you!
Volunteers are needed for the following days:
Wednesday, November 25: Bib Pick-up
Friday, November 27: Bib Pick-up
Saturday, November 28: Race Day
Athlete’s Village (Start Line)
Finish Line (Emancipation Park)
Finishers Village (Emancipation Park)
Cheer/aid stations (along the course)
Volunteers will receive a volunteer t-shirt, hydration, snacks, and a discount on 2027 Third Ward Mile registration.
Please submit the form below to join our Volunteer Team.
If you have any questions, please email volunteers@thethirdwardmile.com.
See you soon!
VENDORS NEEDED
The Third Ward Mile is a community-rooted race and the finish line is where it all comes together. On Saturday, November 28, 2026, every runner, walker, and family will finish on Emancipation Avenue and walk straight into Emancipation Park to experience the Third Ward Mile Finishers Village, a celebration of the local businesses that make Houston’s historic Third Ward what it is.
We’re looking for food, wellness, art, apparel, and family-friendly vendors. Priority goes to Third Ward and Houston-area businesses.
Please submit your application by Oct 27. Spots are limited.
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Yes, there is a vendor fee for small businesses and food & beverage vendors.
This fee secures your spot on-site and goes directly toward race infrastructure - things like signage, tent, and set-up that make the vendor experience run smoothly. Fees are due upon confirmation and range from $50 to $150 per vendor, depending on package and placement.
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We provide a 10’x10’ tent OR adequate space for a food/beverage truck, brand signage, 1 table, 2 chairs, name / logo featured on official website, email, and social media post.
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Yes! Please submit your vendor application and someone from our team will correspond with you.
SUPPPORT THE RACE
Help us bring The Third Ward Mile to the starting line. Your support helps build a race rooted in movement, wellness, culture, and community and ensures that young runners have the opportunity to be part of it. We’re raising funds to cover event elements, road race infrastructure, and overall participant experience, with a goal of raising $50,000. Every donation helps make the race more accessible and creates an opportunity for the next generation of Third Ward runners to experience the joy of running, racing, and moving together. Every mile starts with community.
CONNECT WITH US
INFO@THETHIRDWARDMILE.COM
more than a mile is a black, woman-owned production, marketing, and creative agency founded by women who've spent their careers shaping culture from the inside. running is our medium; community is our compass.
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