2026 Too Hot To Handle 5K, 10K & Half

The 2026 Too Hot To Handle 5K, 10K & Half returns to Dallas, Texas on September 12th. Run Project's signature event will take place in Norbuck Park at 6:30 AM, offering a 10K (10km), 5K (5km), and half-marathon distance for runners of all levels.
Norbuck Park is nestled within the heart of Dallas’s bustling northside neighborhood. On race morning, expect to find the park buzzing with pre-race activity as participants warm up on the well-maintained grounds that have become a familiar backdrop over three decades. The atmosphere will be electric, filled with families and friends gathering under the shade trees for last-minute hydration or stretching routines.
This is Run Project's 31st year hosting this legendary summer tradition, making it one of Dallas’s most anticipated events since its inception in 1996. Over these years, thousands have lined up to test their endurance on the fast and flat courses that cut through Norbuck Park, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike.
The course venue will stretch across the expansive green spaces of Norbuck Park, offering participants a mix of paved paths and slight inclines. The 10K loop begins at the park’s main entrance, meanders past the sports fields before looping back to its starting point. For those aiming for longer distances, the half-marathon follows a similar path but with an added stretch through the more scenic trails further in.
On race morning, participants will gather from Norbuck Park's parking lots and designated start line just off N. Dallas Parkway. The course offers modest elevation changes that won't significantly impact performance, allowing runners to focus on their pace. Along the way, there will be several aid stations offering water, gels, and electrolyte drinks for those who need it. After the race, participants can enjoy a well-deserved cool-down in the beer garden with light refreshments.
Weather conditions predict an average temperature of 27.3C (81F) that day, making it comfortably warm but not oppressive. The humidity at around 58.9% will feel somewhat sticky, particularly towards the end of your run when you're likely to be sweating a lot. A gentle breeze with winds averaging 10.5 km/h should help keep things manageable for most runners.