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Unbound Now's Light Up The Dark 5K Presented by Chick-fil-A

Date:
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Location:
1701 N Fourth St
Waco, Texas
76707
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
runsignup.com Register at runsignup.com
Tags:
1k 5k Run Virtual Walk

The Unbound Now Light Up The Dark 5K Presented by Chick Fil A is a fun, family-friendly “glow-in-the-dark” run to raise money and awareness for the anti-human trafficking work of Unbound. This annual event is fun for everyone, whether you’re a slow walker or a professional runner! This year, we are offering in-person and virtual options to participants to fight human trafficking in Waco, Texas, and around the world. Build a team, set a goal, and raise funds on the side to end human trafficking!

IN-PERSON: Join us at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas on April 18, 2026, for a night of fun and wild experiences. We'll have food trucks, music, games, and a "glowing good time." You must have a Zoo Spectator Pass to get into the Zoo if you are not register for the 5K or 1K event.

5:30 p.m. Event Opens

  • Day-of check in and race kit pick up

  • Performances

  • Food trucks: TBD

  • Photo booth

5:30-6:30 p.m. Kick-off and performances!

6:30 p.m. Check-in/Registration for all events closes!

7:00 p.m. 1K

7:45 p.m. 5K run

Awards at the conclusion of the 5K

Light Up The Dark in spirit 5K Sofa Edition (virtual): Fight human trafficking wherever you are in the world! Get your friends, family, or coworkers together to support Unbound. Register as an individual or set up a team and receive our Glow Global box with glow-in-the-dark gear for you and your crew by mail, if you register by March 16th at 11:59 p.m.

We'll send out other info and ways to join in the fun to race registrants between now and race day. Make sure you're registered so we can keep you up to date! Share your ideas with us by tagging @unboundwaco, @unboundnow and using the hashtag #LightUpTheDark5K.

Thanks to our amazing sponsors for making this event possible!

Race Day Packet Pick up is TBD

More races nearby

  • Red, White and Blue Half Marathon - Waco [runsignup.com]

    Sun, Jul 26, 2026 at 6:55 AM

    Description

    Location Confirmed: Indian Springs Park

    Hey, Texas! Are You Ready to run for freedom?

    This summer, gear up for the Texas Red, White and Blue Half Marathon—the most exhilarating race to hit the Lone...

    Location Confirmed: Indian Springs Park

    Hey, Texas! Are You Ready to run for freedom?

    This summer, gear up for the Texas Red, White and Blue Half Marathon—the most exhilarating race to hit the Lone Star State! Hosted by Bigfoot Running Company, this event will take you on a breathtaking journey through Texas’ stunning trails, showcasing all the natural beauty our state has to offer.

    Choose Your Adventure: Whether you’re tackling the Kids Dash, sprinting 2 miles, or going for glory in the 4, 8, or 13.1-mile distances, there’s something for everyone! Are you aiming for a personal best, or just looking to have a blast with friends and family? This race is perfect for you!

    Epic Rewards Await: Top finishers in the 4-mile, 8-mile, and half marathon will snag the coveted Bigfoot trophy—a trophy that’ll make your family and friends green with envy! Plus, every participant will receive a super comfy Red, White and Blue Half Marathon race T-Shirt, a unique Texas medal, and a chip-timed race bib to commemorate your achievement.

    For the Little Yeti’s: Don’t let the kids miss out! Our Kid's Dash promises unforgettable fun and awesome recognition swag that they'll cherish forever.

    Race Day Experience: After crossing the finish line, refuel with tasty snacks and refreshing bottled water. With multiple aid stations along the route, you’ll be well taken care of. And get ready to groove with DJ Sasquatch, spinning all the hits at our lively race rally tent!

    With years of experience in directing top-notch races, we guarantee a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that will become a highlight of your annual running calendar.

    Join us for an unforgettable day of fun, fitness, and Texas pride—this is the race for runners of all ages and abilities! Sign up now and let’s make this summer legendary! 🎉🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️✨

    Join in all the festivities you have come to expect from a Bigfoot Running Company event. Awesome medals, cool Tee's, high energy staff, 100% focus on participant experience, live awards, and lets not forget the coveted Bigfoot Trophies. Snacks and refreshments will be available when you finish at the race rally tent. Our DJ will be playing all the hits and announcing every runner. All award winners will be announced and recognized for their accomplishments. Aid stations will be on the course to provide water and to assist should you have any concerns during your run. Our primary focus is to make your race fun, safe, and exciting.

    All finishers of all distances will receive a medal and shirt.

    *Youth-based pricing for the 2 mile, 4 mile, and 8 mile - 12 & Under are only $15!

    *Participants will receive a $20 refund if they refer 5 others.

    *Join as a group and receive special group discounts. The larger your group gets the larger your group discount gets.

    Race Distances offered:

    Kids Dash - This event is for our little Yeti's and is typically about a 50-meter dash. Designed for kids 10 and under. This is not timed and includes a tee shirt, kids dash medal, and exclusive Kids Dash recognition pin. Your little Yeti will get to experience what races are all about as we focus all the attention on them and get the crowd involved in cheering them on. Our crew will be present with our professional race camera capturing all the fun so that you can share the memory of this awesome experience with friends and family.

    2 Mile - Our 2-mile race is designed for all ages and experience levels. This event is not chipped timed and includes a tee shirt and race medal.

    4 Mile - Our 4 Mile race will take you 4 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

    8 Mile - Our 8 mile race will take you 8 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall Bigfoot trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

    Half Marathon - Our Half Marathon race will take you 13.11 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall Bigfoot trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

    Standard Age Group Awards for 4 mi / 8 mi / Half Marathon

    1st overall M/F - Trophy

    1st overall M/F Masters age 40+ - Special recognition award lanyard pin

    10 and under M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    11-14 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    15-19 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    20-24 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    25-29 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    30-34 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    35-39 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    40-44 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    45-49 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    50-54 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    55-59 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    60-64 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    65-69 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    70+ M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    Shirt guarantee cutoff is 10 days out from the event. After that date if shirts are still available this page will be updated and a notification of availability will be placed at the top of this listing with details concerning shirt size availability and quantity available if applicable.

    Event Schedule

    5:30-6:45am Packet Pickup

    6:55 am Kids Dash (Meet at the Start Line and we will walk participants out to the starting area)

    7:00am National Anthem and Race Start!

    Results and Awards are live and available at the Registration tent immediately following your finish!

    Volunteer then Run includes a custom chip timed bib, super soft tee, and an awesome finisher medal! You can participate in the 4 mile run offered for this event. You simply show up an hour and a half before race start and help with packet pickup, about 10 minutes before race starts, you join everyone at the starting line for pre-race warmup and start with the starting gun. Then after you run the race and recover you help us hand out awards. (This option does not require you to sign up under the volunteer tab above. This option does not include the Full Race Volunteer benefits' listed below.) THIS OPTION IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 15 SIGN UPS AND IS FOR THE 4 mile DISTANCE.

    Full Race Volunteer with Us! (you will not be running in this race)

    Sign up under the "VOLUNTEER" tab on the top menu. Volunteers earn a Bigfoot race shirt, VIP race access and your choice of a FREE race entry to a future event to use for yourself or to gift to someone else or a $20 pre-paid digital gift card!

    Water Station: You will be placed at the water station. Your duties are to simply make sure there are water cups filled and ready for participants. You will be in a prime position to cheer on runners so feel free to bring a radio, pom poms, signs, noise makers etc. POSITION RATING: Chill position that puts you at a vantage point to interact with participants. Feel free to bring a chair if you would like.

    Course Monitors: You will be placed along the course route at places that require extra attention for participant safety. You will be in a prime position to cheer on runners so feel free to bring a radio, pom poms, signs, noise makers etc. Example: crosswalks POSITION RATING: Fun, exciting position that puts you in the middle of all the action

    Finish Line Helper: Assist the Race Director with general finish line tasks. POSITION RATING: Easy and fun job.

    Turtle / Sweeper: You get to hang back with the last runner. Your job is to encourage the last runner and let the water station and course monitors know when the final runner has passed so they can begin tearing down. POSITION RATING: slightly physically challenging. You get to run the longest distance for free. Good day of exercise.

    Packet Pickup / Results: You will be very near the start and finish line. You will get the opportunity to interact with participants and share in their joy when they are presented with their awards. POSITION RATING: A bit hectic for about 45 min before the race. the rest of your day is pretty chill and very fun. Be part of creating the excitement!

    Floater: Provide general race help. Examples: handing out medals, helping with snacks, etc. POSITION RATING: Super easy and fun job that puts you right in the action of the race.

    Lead Bike: Lead the first runner and complete the course on a bike or scooter. POSITION RATING: You get to enjoy the course with the participants. Your job is to make sure the first people go in the correct direction on the longest-distance event by following you. POSITION RATING: Fun and good exercise. You are done with your volunteering requirements shortly after the first long-distance runner is finished.

    Bigfoot Mascot: Wear our provided Bigfoot costume and help cheer on participants, providing high-fives and great photo opportunities. POSITION RATING: The coolest and by far most fun volunteer opportunity. You get to be the center of attention at the finish line.

    Volunteers arrive at the event 1.5 hours before start time and check in at the registration tent.

    *Bigfoot races proceed rain, shine, hot or cold.

    Packet pickup is always offered for 1.5 hours before the event start time. If an additional packet pickup is scheduled it will be communicated via email to all registered participants a minimum of 1 week before the race.

    Bigfoot Running Company races are typically held at parks and green belts. We make every attempt to stay on paved trails but mixed course surfaces should be expected. You may run on pavement, crushed granite, and when unavoidable dirt paths.

    1 km from Waco
    Waco, Texas, 76701, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    2 Miles 4 Miles 8 Miles 13.1 Miles Half Marathon Run Trail Walk

  • Bear Country Night Trek [finishers.com]

    Fri, Aug 07, 2026

    1.7 km from Waco
    Waco, Texas, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    Run Trail

  • TUFF ENUFF Trail Run [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    There are still the same two distances to choose from:

    • 10K - (8:00 am start - 2-hour 10-minute time limit). This course is two laps of the 5K course.

    • 5K - (8:05 am start - 1 1/2-hour time limit)

    This is the third race in the Huaco Cuatro Trail Run Series.

    Note: Dogs and baby joggers are not allowed on the course for safety reasons.

    8.6 km from Waco
    George W Bush Parkway, McLennan County, Texas, 76712, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 10k Run Trail

  • Day of the Dead Half Marathon - Waco [runsignup.com]

    Sun, Oct 11, 2026 at 7:55 AM

    Description

    Location: Confirmed Indian Springs Park

    Get ready for the "Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Texas Parks Edition"! Starting at 8 a.m., this 13.1-mile race takes you through some of the most stunning...

    Location: Confirmed Indian Springs Park

    Get ready for the "Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Texas Parks Edition"! Starting at 8 a.m., this 13.1-mile race takes you through some of the most stunning parks in Texas, where every step is a celebration of life and tradition.

    As the sun rises, you'll set off from the starting line in a beautifully adorned park, the morning air crisp and filled with the scent of marigolds. The course weaves through lush landscapes, sparkling lakes, and towering trees, offering the natural beauty and serenity of Texas parks.

    Aid stations along the route provide hydration to keep you fueled and motivated. The serene, picturesque parks create a unique running experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

    The final stretch leads you through a breathtaking scene of Texas beauty. As you approach the finish line, you're greeted by cheering crowds.

    Crossing the finish line, you're welcomed into a lively post-race celebration at the rally tent. Live music fills the air, and an array of delicious Mexican treats and drinks awaits you. Celebrate your accomplishment with fellow runners, sharing stories and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

    The Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Texas Parks Edition is a joyous tribute to life, memory, and the natural beauty of Texas. Lace up your running shoes and join us for a half marathon that promises to be as enriching as it is challenging. Run to remember, run to celebrate!

    COSTUME CONTEST

    At the heart of the "Day of the Dead Half Marathon: Texas Parks Edition" is an exciting costume contest that invites runners to fully embrace the spirit of Dia de los Muertos. Before the race kicks off, participants gather at the starting area, showcasing their most creative and vibrant costumes. From intricately painted calavera faces to elaborate skeletal attire, the costumes transform the park into a colorful celebration of life and memory. A panel of judges evaluates the costumes based on creativity, authenticity, and overall impact. The winner is awarded the coveted "Day of the Dead Best Costume Award," along with a special prize package, right before the race begins. This pre-race contest adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie, encouraging participants to run in style and celebrate in true Day of the Dead fashion from the very start.

    Join in all the festivities you have come to expect from a Bigfoot Running Company event. Awesome medals, cool Tee's, high energy staff, 100% focus on participant experience, live awards, and lets not forget the coveted Bigfoot Trophy's. Snacks and refreshments will be available when you finish at the race rally tent. Our DJ will be playing all the hits and announcing every runner. All award winners will be announced and recognized for their accomplishments. Aid stations will be on the course to provide water and to assist should you have any concerns during your run. Come join us for the hottest Half Marathon this October! Our primary focus is to make your race fun, safe and exciting.

    *Youth-based pricing for the 5k & Quarter Marathon 12 & Under are only $15!

    *Participants will receive a $20 refund if they refer 5 others.

    *Join as a group and receive special group discounts. The larger your group gets the larger your groups discount gets.

    Race Distances offered:

    Kids Dash - This event if for our little Yeti's and is typically about a 20 yard dash. Designed for kids 10 and under. This is not timed and includes a tee shirt, race medal, and exclusive Kids Dash recognition pin. Your little Yeti will get to experience what races are all about as we focus all the attention on them and get the crowd involved in cheering them on. Our crew will be present with our professional race camera capturing all the fun so that you can share the memory of this awesome experience with friends and family.

    1 Mile - Our 1 mile race is designed for all ages and experience levels. This event is not chipped timed and includes a tee shirt and race medal.

    5K - Our 5K race will take you 3.11 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

    1/4 Marathon - Our Quarter Marathon race will take you 6.55 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall Bigfoot trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

    Half Marathon - Our Half Marathon race will take you 13.1 miles through the course. This event is chip timed and features 1st overall Bigfoot trophy's for male and female finishers, special recognition pins for 1st place male and female master's category as well as our standard age group awards.

    Standard Age Group Awards for 5K, Quarter Marathon and Half Marathon

    1st overall M/F - Trophy

    1st overall M/F Masters age 40+ - Special recognition award lanyard pin

    10 and under M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    11-14 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    15-19 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    20-24 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    25-29 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    30-34 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    35-39 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    40-44 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    45-49 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    50-54 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    55-59 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    60-64 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    65-69 M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    70+ M/F - 1st Gold, 2nd Silver, and 3rd Bronze award pin

    Shirt guarantee cutoff is 10 days out from the event. After that date if shirts are still available this page will be updated and a notification of availability will be placed at the top of this listing with details concerning shirt size availability and quantity available if applicable.

    Event Schedule

    6:30-7:45am Packet Pickup

    7:55am Kids Dash (Meet at the Start Line and we will walk participants out to the starting area)

    8:00am National Anthem and Race Start!

    Results and Awards are live and available at the Registration tent immediately following your finish!

    Volunteer then Run includes a custom chip timed bib, super soft tee, and an awesome finisher medal! You can participate in any distance run offered for this event. You simply show up an hour and a half before race start and help with packet pickup, about 10 minutes before race starts, you join everyone at the starting line for pre-race warmup and start with the starting gun. Then after you run the race and recover you help us hand out awards. (This option does not require you to sign up under the volunteer tab above. This option does not include the Full Race Volunteer benefits' listed below.)

    Full Race Volunteer with Us! (you will not be running in this race)

    Sign up under the "VOLUNTEER" tab on the top menu. Course Monitor and Aid Station volunteers earn an Bigfoot race shirt, souvenir race medal (subject to availability), VIP race access and your choice of a FREE race entry to a future event to use for yourself or to gift to someone else or a $20 pre-paid digital gift card!

    Course Monitors help maintain a safe course by redirecting traffic away from participants and guiding participants in the right direction. Feel free to bring pom-poms, horns, music, instruments, signs, etc. to encourage and cheer on runners. Bonus for creative costumes!

    Aid Station volunteers provide water to participants as they pass. Keep course clean for runners by picking up discarded cups, bottles, and trash and place it in the provided trash bins. Please feel free to bring pom poms, signs, horns, music, etc to cheer on participants. Bonus for great costumes!

    Volunteers arrive at the event 1.5 hours before start time and check in at the registration tent.

    *Bigfoot races proceed rain, shine, hot or cold.

    Packet pickup is always offered for 1.5 hours before the event start time. If an additional packet pickup is scheduled it will be communicated via email to all registered participants a a minimum of 1 week before the race.

    Bigfoot Running Company races are typically held at parks and green belts. We make every attempt to stay on paved trails but mixed course surfaces should be expected. You may run on pavement, crushed granite and when unavoidable a dirt paths.

    1 km from Waco
    Waco, Texas, 76701, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 3.11 Miles 6.55 Miles 13.1 Miles Half Marathon Run Trail Walk

  • Chupacabra Trail Run [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Oct 31, 2026 at 8:30 AM

    Description

    Redwood Shelter

    Cameron Park

    Waco, TX US 76710

    The Chupacabra Trail Run is the last race in the Huaco Cuatro Trail Run Series.

    Course Time Limit

    All 15K Trail Run participants need to complete the course in 3 1/2 hours. This is a 22.5 minute/mile pace.

    Notes:

    • Dogs and baby joggers are not allowed on the course for safety reasons.
    6.1 km from Waco
    Waco, Texas, 76710, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k 15k Run Trail

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