Ennis Bluebonnet Run
About the Event
The Ennis Bluebonnet Run is back on April 18, 2026
Held during the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival in the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas, this race takes you through some of the most scenic routes Ennis has to offer. The hybrid course (pavement and trail) winds past Kachina Prairie, Lake Clark Park and Dam, through tree-covered trails, wide-open stretches, and peak bluebonnet season all in one unforgettable run.
Whether you're a competitive runner, a first-timer, or just looking for a fun morning out with your family, there's a race for you. Walkers are absolutely welcome and will have up to 2 hours to complete the course.
Event Schedule:
• 5:00 AM — Check-In Opens
• 6:00 AM — Arrive Early & Warm Up
• 6:45 AM — Pre-Race Ceremony
• 7:00 AM — 10K Start (6.2 mi, chip-timed)
• 7:15 AM — 5K Start (3.1 mi, chip-timed)
• 7:15 AM — Kids 5K Start, 13 & Under (3.1 mi, chip-timed)
• 7:20 AM — Fun Run/Walk Start (3.1 mi, untimed)
• 8:00 AM — Mini Games
• 8:30 AM — Awards Ceremony
• 10:00 AM — Enjoy the Bluebonnet Festival (separate location)
Can't make it in person? We also offer a Virtual 5K/10K — run anywhere between April 18–30, self-timed, and we'll ship all your swag directly to you. Register as an individual or join/create a team.
Choose Your Race:
• 10K Competitive – Chip-timed race for experienced runners (6.2 mi)
• 5K Competitive – Chip-timed race for runners of all fitness levels (3.1 mi)
• Kids 5K (13 & Under) – Chip-timed race for younger runners with podium awards (3.1 mi)
• 5K Fun Run/Walk – Untimed, relaxed option for walkers, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy the course without race pressure (3.1 mi)
• Virtual Race (5K or 10K) – Run any distance, anywhere, anytime between April 18–30. All swag shipped directly to you.
Packet Pickup — Required for All In-Person Participants
Every in-person participant must pick up their race packet before running. This is where you'll collect your race bib (number), t-shirt and swag bags.
- Location: Don Jose's Restaurant — Ennis, TX 2301 W Ennis Ave, Ennis, TX 75119
- Dates & Hours: Monday, April 13th — Friday, April 17th from 11AM-1PM & 5-8PM check bluebonnetrun.com/raceday for updates
Packet pickup will also be available race day morning, but we strongly advise picking up the week prior to avoid large race day morning lines if possible.
Please sign all waivers online before you arrive, and hold on to your bib — you'll need it to run. If you can't attend Packet Pickup, contact us to make arrangements. Virtual participants have swag shipped directly.
What Every Participant Receives:
• Race bib (number) — picked up at Packet Pickup, required on race day
• Custom race t-shirt — subtle gradient with micro eyelets, breathable and fully custom (guaranteed for early registrants)
• Finisher's medal — custom bluebonnet design, received at the finish line
• Cotton canvas tote bag
• Cooling sport mesh towel
• Goodies from local sponsors
Awards (Competitive Races Only):
Awards go to 1st–3rd place in each men's and women's division, plus overall 1st place male and female in both the 5K and 10K. 1st overall get added to the big trophy. Age group divisions run in 5-year increments from 9 & Under through 70+. Awards Ceremony kicks off at 8:30 AM and results will be posted at bluebonnetrun.com/results after the race.
Kids & Family Info:
The Kids 5K (13 & Under) is chip-timed with podium awards. If you'd rather run together as a family, participate in the Fun Run/Walk (untimed) — children should still register through the Kids 5K registration, and parents register separately for the Fun Run/Walk. If your under-13 runner wants to enter the competitive 5K alongside a parent, reach out to us and we can discuss options.
Race Day Info:
The race is rain or shine (severe weather updates go out via email and social media). EMS will be on site. Water stations are along the route and at the finish line, where bananas and water are provided. Photographers and videographers will be capturing the event — look for your photos after the race. Parking maps are available at bluebonnetrun.com, Facebook (@ennisbluebonnetrun), and Instagram (@cromenonprofit). There's no formal bag check, so keep valuables locked in your car. Headphones are discouraged for safety, and we don't recommend carbon-plated "super shoes" — the trail terrain can pose stability risks.
How to Prepare:
• Sign your waivers online ahead of time
• Attend Packet Pickup the week before to collect your bib and swag
• Book accommodations early — they fill up fast during Bluebonnet season
• Check the forecast and dress accordingly
• Bring your bib on race day
Refund & Transfer Policy:
All registrations are non-refundable. If unable to attend, you may transfer to the Virtual Race (swag shipped to you) or defer your entry to next year. Bib transfers are available through your RunSignUp profile.
Festival Weekend:
After the race, stick around for the Mini Games at 8:00 AM and the Awards Ceremony at 8:30 AM — then head to the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival in downtown Ennis starting at 10:00 AM. Make it a full day.
Every step you take supports CROME Nonprofit and its mission to fund scholarships, mentorship, and career pathways for Ellis County students pursuing post-secondary success. Course maps, elevation details, and Strava links for both the 5K and 10K are all at bluebonnetrun.com.
Get Involved:
• Volunteer: Sign up at bluebonnetrun.com
• Sponsor/Vendor: Contact us with "Sponsor" or "Vendor" in the subject line
• Donate: Every dollar supports Ellis County student scholarships
Stay Connected:
Website: bluebonnetrun.com
Instagram: @bluebonnetrun | Facebook: @ennisbluebonnetrun | TikTok: @bluebonnetrun
Questions? Reach us at bluebonnetrun.com/contact
Register today at bluebonnetrun.com — bring your friends and family for an unforgettable run through the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas. See you at the start line!
Join fellow runners on April 18, 2026 for the Ennis Bluebonnet Run. It's a fantastic 10K, 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Ennis.
Races Offered
Running
10K Competitive Run
The 10K Competitive Run offers an extended, scenic course that highlights some of the most beautiful natural views Ennis has to offer. The first portion of the race follows the same route as the 5K, allowing runners to establish a steady pace before the course branches off onto a brief off-trail section. From there, runners travel along the shores of Lake Clark, continue toward the Ennis Municipal Airport, loop back along the lake dam, and return to the finish line. The course includes a mix of paved roads and short natural-surface sections. While much of the route is runnable and smooth, runners should be aware that this is not a fast-and-flat course. There is one notable hill and gentle elevation changes that add a challenge, especially in the later miles. The 10K is fully timed and well suited for runners looking for a longer, more engaging course with varied scenery rather than a purely flat, speed-focused race. Strollers are allowed but not recommended.
5K Competitive Run
The 5K Competitive Run is built for runners who want to push the pace while enjoying one of Ennis’s most scenic courses. This professionally timed race follows a smooth, clearly marked route designed to balance speed with visual appeal. The course is primarily on concrete, allowing for consistent footing, with two short off-concrete sections through the Kachina Prairie Nature Preserve and along the banks of Lake Clark. These natural segments add variety and scenery while preserving the race’s competitive rhythm. Official timing, results, and awards will be provided for competitive divisions. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply enjoy a well-organized, high-energy race, this 5K delivers a strong blend of speed, structure, and scenery. Strollers are welcome in the 5K Competitive Run; however, runners should be aware that the grassy section at Kachina Prairie and occasional course congestion may make maneuvering more challenging. For safety, we recommend starting toward the back of the pack and using extra caution in narrower or uneven areas of the course.
5K Kid Run (13 & under)
The Kids 5K (Under 13) gives young runners the opportunity to experience the excitement of race day on the same official 5K course as adult participants. Kids may choose to run or walk at their own pace and will have up to 2 hours to complete the course. Families are welcome to have children participate in the regular 5K Run/Walk instead of the Kids 5K if that option is a better fit; however, children must still be registered under the Kids 5K (Under 13) category to participate. Parents and guardians should note that the route includes one short grassy section through the Kachina Prairie Nature Preserve, which is the only off-concrete portion of the 5K. Strollers, carts, and wagons may have difficulty on this grassy section, so parents should plan accordingly. A great way for young runners to build confidence, earn a finisher medal, and be part of the Bluebonnet Run tradition.
5K Fun Run / Walk
The 5K Fun Run / Walk follows the exact same scenic course as the 5K Competitive Run—just without the pressure of racing the clock. Whether you’re walking, jogging, pushing a stroller, or enjoying the views at your own pace, this event is all about fun, movement, and soaking in the Bluebonnet Run experience. Participants will have up to 2 hours to complete the 5K. All Fun Run / Walk participants start at a separate, later start time than the competitive 5K. Strollers, carts, and wagons are allowed; however, participants should be aware that there is a short off-concrete section of the course. This portion winds through the beautiful Kachina Prairie Nature Preserve and is the only on-grass section of the 5K. While manageable for most participants, strollers, carts, and wagons may experience difficulty on this grassy terrain, especially depending on ground conditions. Perfect for families, casual runners, and anyone who wants to be part of race day without racing.
Virtual 10K
Can’t join us in Ennis on April 18? Take on the 10K from anywhere. Complete your 10K on or after race day (April 18) and submit your results by April 30 to be included in the virtual results listing. Your registration includes: ✔️ Custom Ennis Bluebonnet Run race tee ✔️ 3 ft performance cooling towel ✔️ Cotton canvas tote bag ✔️ Finisher medal Road, trail, treadmill, sunrise miles or midnight miles. Your run still fuels scholarships and mentorship through CROME Please note: Virtual participants do not receive race bibs and are not eligible for podium awards or trophies.Shipping is available at checkout.
Virtual 5K
Can’t make it to Ennis on race day? Run with us from anywhere. Complete your 5K on or after race day (April 18) and submit your results by April 30. You’ll still be part of the Ennis Bluebonnet Run community and the mission behind it. Your registration includes: ✔️ Custom Ennis Bluebonnet Run race tee ✔️ 3 ft performance cooling towel ✔️ Cotton canvas tote bag ✔️ Finisher medal Run your route, your pace, your place. Submitting your time is optional. Every virtual registration helps support local scholarships and student programs through CROME Please note: Virtual participants do not receive race bibs and are not eligible for podium awards or trophies.Shipping is available at checkout.
Virtual Kids 5K
Can’t make it to Ennis on race day? Run with us from anywhere. Complete your KIDS 5K on or after race day (April 18) and submit your results by April 30. You’ll still be part of the Ennis Bluebonnet Run community and the mission behind it. Your registration includes: ✔️ Custom Ennis Bluebonnet Run race tee ✔️ 3 ft performance cooling towel ✔️ Cotton canvas tote bag ✔️ Finisher medal Run your route, your pace, your place. Submitting your time is optional. Every virtual registration helps support local scholarships and student programs through CROME Please note: Virtual participants do not receive race bibs and are not eligible for podium awards or trophies.Shipping is available at checkout.
About Ennis
Ennis Bluebonnet Run takes place in Ennis, Texas, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
