Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2026 - Buda/Kyle, TX

Join us for the Miles for a Match 5K, hosted by the Texas State University chapter of Mu Epsilon Delta (MED) in collaboration with Gift of Life, an organization dedicated to helping patients battling blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma find life-saving bone marrow and stem cell donors.

This event brings together students, families, runners, and community members to raise awareness and support for those searching for a donor match. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to run, jog, or walk the 3.1-mile course.

A portion of the proceeds will support Gift of Life’s mission to grow the bone marrow registry and give hope to patients in need of a life-saving match.

Run with purpose. Walk with hope. Help someone find their match

Experience the "Live Music Capital of the World," a city that beats with a rhythm of independence, creativity, and non-stop movement. Austin is consistently ranked as one of the fittest cities in the country, where the community spends its mornings on the Lady Bird Lake trails and its evenings enjoying the legendary nightlife of 6th Street. It is a place that celebrates being "weird" and working hard, offering an electric, welcoming atmosphere for athletes from every walk of life.

The event is hosted at the Palmer Events Center, a stunning venue nestled next to Butler Park with arguably the best view of the Austin skyline in the city. Over two days, athletes will navigate the signature DEKA course, starting with the individual drive of the Age Group waves and the weighted intensity of the Ruck category, and the crowd-pleasing Elite heats. Day 2 brings the collaborative energy of 2-person and 4-person teams along with the multi-lap DEKA FIT Ultra, all within a pavilion-style venue that captures the true essence of Austin.

ATHLETE JUDGE PROGRAM

DEKA is truly a fitness movement we all created together. To ensure a professionally judged racing experience for all athletes, we ask all registered athletes to participate in the DEKA Athlete Judge Program at DEKA FIT events.

How it works:

If you are registered to race this event, please use the Austin DEKA FIT Athlete Judge Sign-up Form to select your preferred Athlete Judge time.

Within 1 hour of finishing your race (or anytime before your race), make your way to the Athlete Judge check-in area at Zone 1 to begin your 60 minute volunteer judging time.

We can’t thank you enough for your support as we continue our mission of creating an epic opportunity for ALL levels to celebrate fitness together.

GIVEAWAY SHIRTS

Those who registered early and are among the first 1,000 to earn the exclusive DEKA giveaway shirt will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your reward. Please keep an eye on your inbox and email cs@deka.fit if you have any questions.

Honor, Remember, and Run for Freedom This Memorial Day, join us for the Memorial Day Freedom Run - a special event that combines a run with the powerful spirit of remembrance. Whether you're running solo or with friends and family, this event honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedom.

Every mile you complete is a tribute to their courage and service. With scenic routes, motivating challenges, and a community united in purpose, the Memorial Day Freedom Run is more than just a race - it's a meaningful way to pay respect while staying active.

Sign up today to celebrate freedom, remember our heroes, and run for a cause that matters. Together, we can make this Memorial Day unforgettable.

Overview:

Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.

This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.

All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!

There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!

When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey.

Timing:

• Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.

• No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!

What You Get (Swag Bag):

• Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)

• Finisher's Towel or Giveaway

• Finisher's Medal!

• Digital Training Pack

• Online Results & Certificate of Completion

• Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs

• We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.

Packet Pickup:

No hassle of picking up packets required!

-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)

• Race bibs are provided on race day

When will I get my Swag?

You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.

Race Updates:

We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.

Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)

Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!

Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: info@thebestraces.com)

(Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis)

Wave A: 7:30AM

Wave B: 8:00AM

Wave C: 8:30AM

Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)

Are there any other Questions we missed?

https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/

Virtual Run Option:

• Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.

Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to info@thebestraces.com to receive your medal!

Race Bundle:

Sign-up for more races and get a discount!

Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:

If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business!

https://www.thebestraces.com/events

Team Glo Volunteers:

If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/

Be part of the Journey!

Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com

Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)

Join the Movement for Mental Health!

Introducing the "Run for Mental Health" - an empowering journey towards well-being! Run with purpose, run with heart for someone you know who is on that difficult journey like all of us.

Let's break the stigma and stride towards a healthier mind! Your run can make a difference! 💙

Overview:

Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.

This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.

All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!

There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!

When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey.

Timing:

• Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.

• No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!

What You Get (Swag Bag):

• Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)

• Finisher's Towel or Giveaway

• Finisher's Medal!

• Digital Training Pack

• Online Results & Certificate of Completion

• Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs

• We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.

Packet Pickup:

No hassle of picking up packets required!

-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)

• Race bibs are provided on race day

When will I get my Swag?

You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.

Race Updates:

We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.

Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)

Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!

Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: info@thebestraces.com)

(Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis)

Wave A: 7:30AM

Wave B: 8:00AM

Wave C: 8:30AM

Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)

Are there any other Questions we missed?

https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/

Virtual Run Option:

• Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.

Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to info@thebestraces.com to receive your medal!

Race Bundle:

Sign-up for more races and get a discount!

Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:

If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business!

https://www.thebestraces.com/events

Team Glo Volunteers:

If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/

Be part of the Journey!

Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com

Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)