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AJ Howard Memorial 5K

location_city Belton

location_on Texas

flag United States

calendar_today 24 Jan, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

Register

About the Event

Ready..... Set.......GO!

Lace up and get ready! The annual AJ Howard Memorial 5K is back and ready for action. Whether you’re walking with friends or racing for the grand finish, you will be a part of celebrating AJ’s memory and supporting the Belton High School Band Program. Participants of all levels are welcome to enjoy a morning filled with encouragement, good vibes, and community spirit.


This year, there will be food trucks, FREE Black Rifle Coffee, and bib drawings for all registered runners! Sign up now to secure a race T-shirt, loaded swag bag, and a shot at winning incredible prizes.


This race will offer an In-Person 5K* and a Sleep-In 5K ...(for those wishing to support but are unable to run or just wish to stay home). 
Registrants age 18 & under will receive a reduced price...this will appear as you register.


The AJ Howard Memorial Fund was established in May of 2016. AJ was tragically taken from his family in an auto accident. In lieu of flowers at his memorial service, AJ’s mother asked that any money be donated to the Belton High School Marching Band (M100) to help pay the band fees for those students who would benefit from the support of available funds. These donations covered the cost of equipment, uniforms, instruments & private lesson fees for many M100 band members, making it possible for all M100 members to have what they need to not only participate, but also excel in band. 


The Belton Band Boosters continues to honor AJ’s memory through the AJ Howard Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to band students in need. Every dollar made from the Annual 5K goes directly to students from Belton High School, Belton Middle School, and South Belton Middle School to help cover the cost of uniforms, instruments, and private lessons. AJ had a servant's heart and was well loved by his fellow band members. He will not be forgotten. Through the AJ Howard Scholarship Fund his spirit of generosity lives on and will continue to impact the lives of M100 members for many years to come.


*The In-Person 5K is part of the Cen-Tex Race Series. All participants will earn Cen-Tex Race Series points. Awards to the top overall male and female finishers, and the top three male and female finishers per age group. Age groups: 11&U, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 & 70+.

 

As you sign up, let us know if you are a member of TX School Faculty, The Parent of a TX High School Student, a General Friend of our Community, or a TX High School Student. We'd love to know where our support is coming from so we can give y'all a shout out. Thank you!!!

Chip timing provided by our friends at Pro-Fit Race Timing.

Click on the Event Info tab for all race day details!

PLEASE register by January 10th in order to guarantee a T-Shirt. Limited supply will be available on Race Day for all registrants after January 10th, 2026.

Races Offered

5K

Jan 24, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

09:00

Sleep-in 5K

Jan 24, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

09:00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Belton.

Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat 5.4° / 16.2°
wb_sunny 1.0° / 12.8°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air 13.9 /
water_drop 61.5%

About Belton

Scenic view of

Belton is a city in the U.S. state of Texas. Belton is the county seat of Bell County and is the fifth largest city in the Killeen-Temple metropolitan area. In 2020, the population of Belton was 23,054, and the metro region had a population of 450,051 according to US Census estimates.

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