A 10K, a 5K, and a kids' shoe-scramble race through downtown Conroe on Saturday, Sept. 19, will raise money for more than 200 nonprofits across the region. The 16th Annual Woodforest Bank Charity Run is organized by Woodforest National Bank, headquartered in The Woodlands, with net proceeds going to the Woodforest Charitable Foundation.
The foundation awarded $6.7 million to 232 nonprofits in 2026 alone. Of that total, $3.3 million went to 55 local and regional organizations in Montgomery and Harris counties, including Interfaith of The Woodlands, Montgomery County Food Bank, and Yes to Youth.
The races
According to the bank's event page, the charity run has been held annually since 2010. This year's 10K Run/Walk, sponsored by Insperity, starts at 7:40 a.m. The 5K Run/Walk follows at 8:00 a.m. Both begin and end at Heritage Place Park, 500 Collins Street, Conroe.
The Barkley Shoe Dash kicks off at 9:00 a.m. for kids ages 5–12, split into two groups (5–7 and 8–12). The format: children start wearing one shoe, sprint 50 yards to a pile of shoes, find and put on their missing shoe, then race 50 yards back to the finish line.
A virtual 10K/5K option lets participants complete their distance anytime before the end of the day on Sept. 19.
Registration and costs
Current prices are $40 for the 10K, $35 for the 5K or virtual race, and $10 for the Barkley Shoe Dash (plus small processing fees). Prices go up after Sunday, Aug. 30. Online registration closes at 8:00 a.m. on race day.
The first 250 registrants receive a commemorative technical t-shirt. Registration and donations are available at runsignup.com.
Post-race party
After the races, Heritage Place Park hosts an awards ceremony, music, food, children's activities, and a celebration honoring America's 250th anniversary.
Foundation impact
The Woodforest Charitable Foundation, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Montgomery County, has distributed more than $41 million to nonprofits across 17 states. Local recipients include organizations focused on crisis services, hunger relief, housing, veterans, and youth services, such as Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County and Child Advocates of Montgomery County.
Kim Marling, executive vice president of the foundation, said at the organization's 20th anniversary luncheon on May 9, 2025, that the foundation aims "to build a lasting legacy of compassion, hope, and transformative change."
Upcoming community events
- Sunday, Aug. 30 — Registration price increase deadline for the Woodforest Bank Charity Run
- Saturday, Sept. 19 — 16th Annual Woodforest Bank Charity Run, Heritage Place Park, Conroe (7:40 a.m. start)
