Questions?
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions, or send us a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only the most delicious run in town! This year, Shipley Donuts fans have the opportunity to run in-person OR virtually, anywhere and at anytime.
All participants will receive a shirt, medal, race bib, and of course, donuts! You “donut” want to miss this!
The event will take place Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston.
10k Start: 7:00 AM
5K Start: 8:00 AM
Kids Dash Start: 9:45 AM
Sam Houston Race Park
7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W Gate 3
Houston, TX 77064
Free parking will be available for all runners and spectators at Sam Houston Race Park.
Please use the North entrance via North Sam Houston Pkwy W to access the park. The South entrance from Fallbrook Dr. will close at 6:15 a.m. To ensure smooth parking, we recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the race start, as runners will be on the streets.
All vehicles must exit the park via the North entrance on North Sam Houston Pkwy W.
Since Shipley Donut Dash has many upfront costs, we have a strict and uniform policy of no refunds, no person-to-person transfer, or no deferrals to a future year. We do understand that plans change, injuries happen, and various situations arise, but, we feel it is most fair to apply a uniform policy to all, instead of a subjective line of who should receive a refund and who doesn’t. All purchases and sales are 100% final, no exceptions. Refunds will not be issued based on weather conditions, pandemics, or anything out of our control. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
On your race bib, you will have two tear offs. One for a free donut and one for a free coffee. After the race, tear them off to obtain your items under the White Tents in the back area next to the stands of Sam Houston Race Park.
Packet Pick-Up will only be available for the In-Person event.
Friday, October 16, 2026
- 12:00 – 6:00 PM
- Location: Fleet Feet Location Coming Soon
If you are unable to attend Packet Pickup on Friday before the race, you can pick it up on Race Day for a $10 FEE.
LOCATION: Sam Houston Race Park
Under the White Tents “Packet Pick-Up”
Yes! If someone is picking up your packet, please ensure they have either your confirmation email or a picture of your photo ID.
There will be two stations on the course that will include:
- MINI Shipley Donuts
- Water
- First Aid
While we love your fur babies, we do not allow dogs on the course for the safety of our runners.
Walkers are welcome to join the 5K course! All walkers will begin in the back corral to ensure that runners can maintain their pace.
Please note, the 10K event is exclusive to runners only.
Yes, strollers are welcome! We simply ask that all children are safely secured in their stroller and remain there throughout the course.
Please note that any donuts available along the course are for participants only, but you’re welcome to share your donut with your child if you’d like.
Yes, you can change your size after you register. (Please note, once your shirt is shipped or in hand, no exchanges are allowed.)
To change sizes:
- Sign In to RunSignUp
- Go to your Profile
- See Upcoming Races
- Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you are editing
- Click the Giveaway menu item
- Change your Giveaway selection
- Click Continue
Yes, you can add on items (such as Packet Shipping) after you register.
To change your registration:
- Sign In to RunSignUp
- Go to your Profile
- View your events under Upcoming Events
- Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you are editing.
- Click Add-On menu item located on the top OR left of Race page
- Edit the quantity of the Add-On that you would like
- Click Continue
Yes, you can transfer your registration via Manage Registration.
The Transfer Event option can be found by logging on to RunSignup, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer Event.
Some Important Notes:
You are only credited the amount paid for your current event. If you are transferring from the 5K event to the 10K event, you will be required to pay the difference + processing fee.
If you are transferring to a cheaper event, you will not pay any additional standard fees for the Event Transfer. Additionally, the difference in pricing will not be refunded.
If you are transferring to an event of equal value, you will not pay any additional standard fees.
We do not offer any size exchanges post packet shipment (virtual) or at packet pick-up (in-person). All changes to sizes need to be made prior to confirming registration. We highly recommend that all participants take care to view the sizing chart on the Event Info page.
The Kids Dash is about a 1/2 mile long. It will start at the start and finish at the finish line. Head over to the course maps to check it out!
Yes, parents are welcome to join their kids during the kids dash. Parents do not need to register if their child is registered for the event.
We recommend kids ages two to 12 to participate in the Kids Dash.
The Shipley Donut Virtual Run will consist of a kids dash, 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon option. We’ll ship the shirt, medal, donut certificate, and any other goodies right to you. Then you run (or walk) the distance you pick at any location you choose, and we highly recommend finishing at a Stan’s Donuts location for your tasty free donut!
Anywhere and Anytime! Since we have a virtual option, it gives you the ability to run it wherever and whenever you want. Jump on your treadmill, find a path, stroll around the neighborhood – find the perfect spot! And grab your donut-lovin’ friends and make it your own Shipley Donut Dash where YOU are at – DO IT FOR THE DONUTS!
-Kids Dash Swag: Dri-FIt Shirt, Donut Shaped Kids Dash Finisher Medal, Race Bib, Packet Shipping, and a Shipley Donut Gift Card!
-5K Swag: Dri-Fit Race Shirt, Donut Shaped 5K Finisher Medal, Race Bib, Packet Shipping, and a Shipley Donut Gift Card!
-10K Swag: Dri-Fit Race Shirt, Donut Shaped 10K Finisher Medal, Race Bib, Packing Shipping, and a Shipley Donut Gift Card!
-Half Marathon Swag: Dri-Fit Race Shirt, Donut Shaped Half Marathon Finisher Medal, Race Bib, Packet Shipping, and a Shipley Donut Gift Card.
-Marathon Swag: Dri-Fit Short Sleeve Shirt, Donut Shaped Marathon Finisher Medal, Packing Shipping, Race Bib, and a Shipley Donut Gift Card.
Once you receive your virtual race packet, you will find a gift card that corresponds with your race distance that can be redeemed at any Shipley Do-Nuts Locations.
In order to receive a finishers certificate and be added to the final results, we ask that you complete your run prior to November 30, 2026.
Your medal will be mailed to you with your packet, but if you’d like to include your results online and/or get a finisher’s certificate, you can enter your information HERE.
For the Virtual Run, we accept results on the honor system, but the most accurate tracking is typically via a device with GPS tracking.
The virtual race is currently only open to US addresses within the contiguous United States. Packets will start shipping at the beginning of October. We will inform all participants when packets start shipping via email.
For more information about each location, please head over to Shipley Donuts Website.
The Shipley Donut Virtual Run is currently available only for addresses within the contiguous United States. We cannot ship outside the United States at this time.