2026 Waco Run Tour - Battle Of The Badges
The 2026 Waco Run Tour - Battle Of The Badges takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, starting at Waco Fire Station 1 located at 100 Peach St, Waco, TX 76706. The event features a competitive yet family-friendly atmosphere where participants choose to support either the Waco Police Department or the Waco Fire Department. Participants can expect a 1-Mile Fun Run beginning at 8:15 AM CST and a 5K race starting at 9:00 AM CST. All proceeds benefit the Waco Professional Firefighters (IAFF 478) and the Waco Police Association. Weather conditions for late January in Waco typically range from cool to mild temperatures, so participants should dress in layers. While the event proceeds rain or shine, a severe weather plan is in place that may move participants to a virtual option.
What event format and rules should participants expect?
The Battle of the Badges is a fun, family-friendly competition between the Waco Police Department and the Waco Fire Department. During registration, participants must choose a side to support. The event is open to runners and walkers of all levels, focusing on community spirit and supporting local first responders.
What distances are available for this event?
- →1-Mile Fun Run starting at 8:15 AM CST (perfect for kids, families, and first-timers)
- →5K (3.1 miles) starting at 9:00 AM CST (open to runners and walkers of all levels)
- →Half Marathon: CANCELLED due to unforeseen conflicts with the course route
How much does registration cost?
- →1-Mile Fun Run: $20
- →5K: $30 (price increases after January 31 at 12:00 AM)
- →Registration for the 1-Mile Fun Run closes on January 31 at 9:00 AM CST
What is included with registration?
- →Dri-FIT race T-shirt
- →Medal #1 of the Waco Run Tour series
- →First 500 participants are guaranteed a medal
- →All 4 medals in the series are designed to stack together to form one complete logo
What is the event schedule?
- →Packet Pickup: Friday, January 30, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Waco Fire Station 1
- →Race Morning Packet Pickup: Available near the start line (check signage)
- →8:15 AM: 1-Mile Fun Run start
- →9:00 AM: 5K start
- →9:45 AM: 5K Awards Ceremony
What are the weather policies and contingency plans?
- →Rain or Shine: The event proceeds in all weather conditions
- →Severe Weather Plan: In the event of severe weather, participants will be moved to a virtual 5K option and will need to submit their own time
- →No Refunds: All registration fees are donated to first responders if you cannot attend
Are there awards or recognition?
- →5K Awards Ceremony will be held at 9:45 AM
- →Medals are awarded to the first 500 participants
- →The event is part of the Waco Run Tour series, where collecting all 4 stacking medals completes the full Waco Run Tour emblem
What is the Waco Run Tour bundle?
- →Save 10% on each race when you register for all 4 events in the series
- →Collect all 4 stacking medals to complete the full Waco Run Tour emblem
Who benefits from the event proceeds?
- →All proceeds benefit the Waco Professional Firefighters (IAFF 478) and the Waco Police Association
- →If you cannot attend, all registration fees are donated to first responders