Hatchling Hustle

The Mile is Back. Lace up, Galveston!

Groundswell's 5th Annual Market Mile

April 12, 2026

Get ready to lace up your sneakers (or comfy walking shoes!) for a Galveston adventure! Whether you're a seasoned marathoner, a power-walker, a slow-stroller, or just here for the neighborhood vibes, this event is for YOU.

At its core, this mile is about our mission: Food Access. By joining us, you’re supporting a market where every neighbor can access fresh, local, and nourishing food.

Choose Your Own Pace:

The Neighborhood Stroll: Bring the dog, the kids, and a coffee. This is a celebration of our streets.

The Fun-Run: If you want to break a sweat, go for it! But a leisurely pace is just as celebrated.

The "Cheer & Swag" Path: Not feeling the mile? Head straight to the market, grab your event swag, and get the party started early.

Come solo and make some new friends, or bring your crew for a memorable outing (plus the team with the most people will win 'Biggest Flock' award).

And the best part? The post-race party! We're talking live tunes, delicious local goodies, refreshing drinks, and our weekly farmers market! It's the perfect way to celebrate crossing the finish line (or just finishing a super fun walk!). See you there!

Scroll down to find out more information about this fun run!

The Run Like a Diva® Galveston race is a high-energy, sparkle-filled celebration set against the stunning backdrop of the Galveston coast. Taking place on April 26, this unforgettable race weekend features a 5K and Half Marathon, welcoming runners of all levels—from first-time finishers chasing their very first medal to seasoned athletes ready to shine on the course.

With a scenic, flat waterfront route, glam race-day details, and an atmosphere buzzing with confidence, encouragement, and sisterhood, this event goes far beyond a traditional race. It’s a feel-good, joy-filled experience where participants don their tiaras, embrace their strength, and celebrate every stride. Runners don’t just show up to compete—they come to connect, uplift one another, and sparkle together in true Diva fashion

Everyone says exercise is important, but let's be honest: it's easier said than done. Join us for the 4th Annual Preventive Medicine Initiative (PMI) 5k, where we're not just talking about the importance of exercise – we're showing you how to make it a part of your life! Last year, we took 224 participants from the couch to the finish line, and this year we’re excited to run it back. This year, the 5k will be have both in-person and virtual options, and it will conclude with a finisher festival where you will receive free snacks, drinks, games, and FUN! The PMI 5k is more than just a race; it's a celebration of community, health, and making lasting lifestyle improvements.

We understand that for some, taking that first step toward an active lifestyle begins with a simple yet essential element – a pair of shoes. That's why, this year, a portion of our funds will support the Mobility Clinic at UTMB. This student organization is dedicated to working closely with the Galveston community, ensuring that those who are underserved have access to proper footwear & footcare. To date, they've completed three shoe drives and donated over 600 pairs of shoes!

For individuals who are unable to participate in-person, we are offering a virtual option! Registration includes a virtual bib with the opportunity to pick up a packet the week before the race. Additionally, all registrants will be able to pick up their finisher stickers and prizes while supplies last after the race.

There is a limited number of spots available. If you cannot attend the event on May 2nd, 2026, please consider purchasing a shirt and/or making a donation instead of registering as a racer. All donations and proceeds will fund future PMI community projects, and a portion will be dedicated to providing shoes for the underserved. Registration will close on May 1st at 11:59pm or when all spots have filled. Shirt and packet pick-up will be announced closer to race day. Unfortunately, shirts that are not picked-up in person will be recycled 2 weeks after the event.

We will be hosting 4 beginner-friendly training sessions in collaboration with Run Club at UTMB with t-shirt giveaways for lucky participants. Join the Training Program GroupMe for updates and reminders! Follow us on Instagram @prevmedutmb for more details and future updates. For even more information about the race, please visit our website: www.prevmedutmb.wordpress.com

This event is public, and participants do not need to be residents of Galveston or be affiliated with UTMB. Strollers are permitted, but pets will not be allowed on the race course. However, pets are welcome at the finisher festival! We apologize to your furry friends, and we ask you to give them lots of love as our consolation.

See you at the starting line!

🦈🌊 Get Ready to Make Waves at SHARK WEEK! 🏃‍♀️🌴

Location: Confirmed Stewart Beach

Cue the suspense music… it’s time to hit the course, Shark Week style! This high-energy, family-friendly race is splashing onto the scene with ocean vibes, bold fun, and just the right amount of bite.

Hosted by Bigfoot Running Company, Shark Week is where serious miles meet jawsome race-day excitement. Whether you’re cruising the 1 Mile or hunting down a 10K PR, you’ll cross the finish line feeling like the apex runner of the day.

This isn’t just a run — it’s an ocean-themed adventure on the move, complete with music at the finish line, big race energy, and the unforgettable fun you expect from a Bigfoot event. 🌊✨

You might even spot Bigfoot keeping an eye on the waters near the finish… 👀🦶

🎉 Event Highlights

🦈 Shark Week–themed race experience

🏅 Finisher medals for 1 Mile, 5K & 10K runners

🏅 Special Kids Dash medal for our youngest participants

👕 Super-soft Shark Week race tees

🎶 Music at the start & finish line

💦 Aid stations along the course

🏃‍♂️ Race Distances

🦈 Kids Dash – (10 & Under)

A short, fun dash designed just for kids!

Includes a race tee, special Kids Dash medal, and post-race treat.

Not timed — just smiles, cheers, and ocean fun.

🌊 1 Mile

Perfect for families, beginners, walkers, and casual runners.

Includes a race tee, finisher medal, and post-race treat.

Not chip-timed.

🦈 5K (3.11 miles) – “The Fin Frenzy”

Perfect for runners, joggers, and walkers looking for a fun, energetic race.

Chip-timed with awards and post-race celebration. Includes a race tee, finisher medal, and treat ticket.

🏆 1st Overall M/F – Bigfoot Trophy

🎖️ 1st Masters (40+) – Recognition pin

🥇 Standard age-group awards

🌊 10K (6.22 miles) – “The Deep End Challenge”

More miles, more bragging rights, more ocean glory!

Chip-timed with awards and full finish-line festivities. Includes a race tee, finisher medal, and treat ticket.

🏆 1st Overall M/F – Bigfoot Trophy

🎖️ 1st Masters (40+) – Recognition pin

🥇 Standard age-group awards

🏅 Age Group Awards (5K & 10K)

Age Groups:

10 & under, 11–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70+

🥇 Gold – 1st | 🥈 Silver – 2nd | 🥉 Bronze – 3rd

💲 Special Pricing & Perks

👟 Youth Pricing: Ages 12 & under receive discounted pricing

🤝 Referral Rewards: Earn refunds when friends register using your referral link

👯 Group Discounts: Automatic savings as your group grows

📅 Event Schedule

5:30–6:45 AM — Packet Pickup

6:55 AM — Kids Dash Start

7:00 AM — National Anthem & Race Start

Finish-line celebrations and awards follow the race.

🙌 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Then Run (5K Only)

Includes:

✔️ Custom chip-timed bib

✔️ Super-soft race tee

✔️ Finisher medal

✔️ Ability to run the 5K after helping

How it works:

1️⃣ Arrive 1.5 hours before race start to help with packet pickup

2️⃣ About 10 minutes before the race, join everyone for warmup

3️⃣ Start the 5K with the group

4️⃣ Run, recover, then help hand out awards

This option does NOT require signing up under the Volunteer tab.

Does NOT include Full Race Volunteer benefits listed below.

LIMITED to the first 10 sign-ups.

Available for the 5K distance only.

Full Race Volunteer (Not Running)

Sign up under the VOLUNTEER tab in the top menu.

Full Race Volunteers Receive:

🎽 Bigfoot race shirt

🎟️ VIP race access

🎁 Your choice of:

• A FREE future race entry (use it yourself or gift it!)

OR

• A $20 prepaid digital gift card

🦺 Volunteer Roles & Ratings

• Water Station

Fill cups, cheer loudly, have fun!

POSITION RATING: Chill, social, great vantage point. Bring a chair if you’d like.

• Course Monitors

Keep runners safe & energized with cheers and direction.

POSITION RATING: Fun and action-packed.

• Finish Line Helper

Assist Race Director with medals, snacks, and celebration.

POSITION RATING: Easy, exciting, and rewarding.

• Turtle / Sweeper

Stay with the final participant, encourage them, and notify course staff when the last runner passes.

POSITION RATING: Slightly physically challenging — longest distance covered but inspiring!

• Packet Pickup / Results

Help check in runners, then enjoy a relaxed, joyful finish-line environment.

POSITION RATING: Busy pre-race, chill and fun after.

• Floater

General event help — medals, snacks, crowd support, etc.

POSITION RATING: Extremely easy and puts you right in the action.

• Lead Bike

Guide the fastest runners on the longest course.

POSITION RATING: Fun, great exercise, and finished early!

• Bigfoot Mascot

Be the star of the show! High-fives, photos, cheering!

POSITION RATING: The coolest volunteer role — 10/10 fun.

📍 Volunteer Arrival

All volunteers arrive 1.5 hours before race start and check in at the Registration Tent.

Bigfoot races proceed rain, shine, hot or cold.

📝 IMPORTANT NOTES

👕 Shirt guarantee: Register at least 10 days before race day.

📦 Packet Pickup: Always open 1.5 hours before race start.

📧 If additional pickup times are added, all runners will be notified by email at least 1 week in advance.

🌳 Course Terrain: Expect a mix of pavement, crushed granite, and some unavoidable dirt paths.

🛝 Public Spaces: Events take place in parks and greenbelts — please be mindful of dog walkers, cyclists, and picnickers.

🌊🦈 Don’t Miss the Most Jaw-some Race of the Season!

Grab your crew, lace up, and dive into Shark Week — where fast feet, ocean energy, and race-day fun collide.

👉 Register now and run with the sharks!

Visit our new website for more help: www.bigfootraces.com

Get ready for a great race!

Your Mates and Mini Mates will swim in a lazy river, bike through the Moody Gardens resort, and run through the tropical gardens—all leading up to a waterpark celebration for the family! Every athlete gets a waterpark admission + free entries for three family members or friends! Come for race day or make it a fun family getaway. Parents, siblings, friends & teammates can join the fun—volunteer as a Deckhand and experience the race up close!

Captain Kids Waves for 2026:

✔️ Age Group Waves: Mini Mates, Mates & Long Course Mates (based on USAT age)

✔️Captain's Waves: For experienced youth triathletes ready to race

✔️ First Mates Waves: Adaptive divisions with guides & race modifications available

Race Distances:

✔️ Mini Mates (6-10): 100m swim, 2 mile bike, ½ mile run

✔️ Mates (11-14): 200m swim, 4 mile bike, 1 mile run

✔️ Long Course Mates (15-16): 200m swim, 6 mile bike, 1.7 mile run

✔️ Captain's Wave Mini Mates (6-10): 200m swim, 4 mile bike, 1 mile run

✔️ Captain's Wave Mates (11-14): 200m swim, 6 mile bike, 1.7 mile run

The Captain's Wave:

The Captain's Wave is for those athletes that have their sea legs and are experienced triathletes wanting to race, and is designed to add additional safety and fairness within the races. If your athlete is on a racing team, has a coach, routinely places in other youth races, and wants to test their skills against the other experienced athletes, then the athlete may qualify to compete in the Captain's Wave. Your athlete should be familiar with all aspects of triathlon, including the rules and regulations for youth triathlons (drafting, spacing, passing, etc), and should have competed in a number of triathlons prior to this event. If you’re not sure which division is right for your athlete, send the Captain an email and we’ll help you figure it out.

The Captain's Waves have separate awards from the age group division and only compete against each other. The athletes are numbered from oldest to youngest, and awards are based on the number of participants.

🏴‍☠️ Ready to race? Join the crew and sign up today!