The Third Ward Mile

Distances and entry

• Youth Girls — $35
• Youth Boys — $35
• Open Womens — $35
• Open Mens — $35
• birthFUND Community Walk — $35

About The Third Ward Mile

On Saturday, November 28, 2026, Third Ward hosts its inaugural mile: The Third Ward Mile, a USA Track & Field-sanctioned 1-mile road race down an epic stretch of Emancipation Avenue in one of Houston’s oldest and most significant neighborhoods. It’s a road race rooted in community and wellness, built for everyone who moves. Walk, jog, run, or race alongside your neighbors. The race is open to ages 6 and up of all abilities. Race day includes youth heats, open divisions, an elite race, and a community walk, where children under 6 are welcome with a registered adult.

Official Philanthropic Partner: birthFUND
birthFUND is a maternal health nonprofit founded by award-winning journalist and author Elaine Welteroth. It expands access to high-quality midwifery care as a data-backed solution to America’s maternal mortality crisis. birthFUND funds midwifery-led birth services, supports birth centers nationwide, and leads the national conversation on better birth outcomes. On race day, birthFUND hosts the Family Zone, a space for parents, little ones, and the whole crew to gather, play, and celebrate. Bring the stroller and join the birthFUND Community Walk.

Join Team birthFUND
Register as part of the birthFUND team and make your mile count for mothers and families. Can’t make it on race day? You can still donate and help expand access to midwifery care. Register & donate today!

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 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 (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 change