Steps for Students 5K

Steps for Students is an annual event benefiting the 56 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Over the last 21 years, this exciting day of family fun has brought together our Catholic community for a Sunrise Mass, a sanctioned 5K race, and a post-race party in the Catholic School Village. In 2026, over 10,000 people registered, and over $1,100,000 was raised to fund the unique needs of each of our Catholic schools.

There are many ways to participate in Steps for Students:
- Register and join the race!
- Become a fundraising champion for your school
- Join the festivities in the Catholic School Village
- Register for Hit Snooze for Students and run on your own time
- Be a Steps Ambassador at your parish

Can't wait for you to join the celebration on Saturday, February 13, 2027!

The Catholic School Village Map is below - please click to download.

We invite everyone to celebrate pre and post-race with friends and family at Catholic School Village in the Co-Cathedral Sacred Heart Parking lot. Catholic School Village is an area for schools and organizations can set up tents where they serve food and drinks, play music, and host games and activities. Come enjoy the fun! 


RULES

1. We strongly encourage our teams to set up on Friday, February 13th from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Race day setup takes place between 6:00 A.M. – 7:00 A.M. If you come on race day, you must access the post-race area from Pierce Street and come to the Fannin intersection where you will ask the police officer for entrance into the CSV drop off area. Tents, tables, and chairs are to be provided by the school directly. The Archdiocese will not provide these items.

2. All tents MUST be weighted down with sandbags. Staking the tent is not allowed.

3. If food is being prepared onsite, all adjacent areas to which sparks, or heat might spread must be at least 25 ft. must be present at all times.

4. Each school team is responsible for the clean-up and proper disposal of all garbage in their space and this MUST be complete by 12 P.M. on race day.

5. Alcohol is not permitted at Steps for Students.

Race Course Map is below - please check out the NEW route for 2026! Click on the map to download.

SCHOOL PACKET PICK-UP

Captains, school volunteers and Principals may pick up boxes of school packets and shirts at St. Peter Catholic, 6220 La Salette St., Houston, TX 77021 - Gymnasium.

Friday, February 6, 2026
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 7, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 

Click here for driving directions.

LAST CHANCE SCHOOL PACKET PICK-UP

Captains, school volunteers and Principals may pick up boxes of school packets and shirts at the Chancery - St. Dominic Center, 2403 Holcombe Blvd. Morkovsky Hall, room 104.

Monday, February 9, 2026
noon- 3 p.m.

Click here for driving directions

INDIVIDUAL PACKET PICK-UP

Individuals may pick up packets and shirts at St. Peter Catholic, 6220 La Salette St., Houston, TX 77021 - Gymnasium.

Friday, February 6, 2026
- 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 7, 2026
- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Click here for driving directions.

LAST CHANCE INDIVIDUAL PACKET PICK-UP

Individuals may pick up packets and shirts at the Chancery at St. Dominic Center, located at 2403 Holcombe Blvd. Morkovsky Hall on the dates and times.

Thursday, February 12, 2026
- 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, February 13, 2026
- 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Click here for driving directions

See the attachment for the map of St. Peter Catholic

Roads around the chancery and Co-Cathedral will be closed beginning Friday night at midnight. Beginning at 6am on Saturday.

Parking is available on the streets and at privately owned surface lots and parking garages around the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the downtown area.

Steps for Students does not control parking hours, payments, or prices.

We recommend paying by credit card or the Houston parking app to ensure legitimate payment.

Authorized lot attendants will not ask for cash.

In addition to the available parking at the lots and garages downtown, Amegy Bank offers a Parking Garage one block next to the Co-Cathedral, at 1801 Main St., Houston, TX 77002. The garage is open from 6 am to 12 pm. Limited to 300 parking spots. Cars must be out of the garage by 12 pm.

Use this google link to navigate

The usage of public transportation is also recommended. Visit RideMETRO.org for more information on parking near transit centers and affected routes.

1. How do I view or edit my Registration? 

   Manage Your Registration HERE or Click HERE to view a guide on viewing/editing registration!

2. How do I resend the confirmation email?

   Click HERE to view a guide on resending the confirmation email!

3. What is Steps for Students?

   Steps for Students is an annual event benefiting the 55 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Over the last 20 years, this exciting day of family fun has brought together our Catholic community for a Sunrise Mass, a sanctioned 5K race, and a post-race party in the Catholic School Village. In 2025, over 10,000 people registered and over $900,000 was raised to fund the unique needs of each of our Catholic schools.

4. When is Steps for Students?

   Our 21st Race Day is February 14, 2026, but the registration begins August 25, 2025! Schools have fun incentives for students to participate in and other Steps for Students activities.

5. What does Steps for Students support?

   The Steps for Students fundraiser support the needs in our Catholic schools within the Galveston-Houston area and the Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program (ATAP).  We are one of the largest networks of Catholic Schools in the private school systems in the State of Texas. Registrants can join a school team of their choice and ask for donations on behalf of the school.  All undesignated registration fees or pledges support the ATAP.  The Archdiocese is committed to keeping Catholic education accessible, available, and affordable to all families.

6. How have schools used their Steps for Students funds?

   The funds may be designated to address the priorities of each school as determined by the school Principal. Some schools use their funds to provide tuition assistance to families in need, to improve their technology and facilities. You can contact your school office to learn how your school plans to use the funds raised through Steps for Students.

7. What is all included in my registration packet?

   Runners who register for the Timed 5K, Untimed 5k, or Family Fun Run will receive a t-shirt, and bib. Those who register for the Hit the Snooze for Students will only receive a t-shirt.

8. When is packet pickup?

   Dates and locations for packet pickups can be found here.

9. Is there a virtual option?

   Yes, this option Hit Snooze for Students is available for those who would like to participate on their own wherever they would like. Participants who choose this option will only receive the official race t-shirt.

10. Sunrise Mass - What time does it begin? Do I have to dress up for Mass? Can my pastor concelebrate the Mass?

    The Sunrise Mass will take place at 7:00 a.m. before the race. There will be plenty of time after Mass ends for you to get lined up for the race. Because of the event, there is no need to bring a change of clothes for Mass. However, out of modesty and respect for the liturgy, we do ask that appropriate attire be worn to cover up tank tops and running shorts (ex. shirt with sleeves, sweatpants, warm-up pants, etc.). Priests seeking to concelebrate the Mass should email steps4students@archgh.org.

11. Where should I park?

    Street parking is available near the race location. We will share additional parking options as we get closer to the event. 

12. I have a student at more than one school. How do I fundraise for more than one school?

    Each registration transaction can only have one Fundraising Team so you will need to split your registrations up to choose different Teams. Example: Mother and son register together and choose Fundraising Team A and then checkout together. In a second transaction, Dad and daughter register together and choose Fundraising Team B and then checkout together.

13. Where will my school be located in the Catholic School Village?
    The village map will be posted closer to Race Day.

14. My schedule has changed and I cannot attend Steps for Students. Can I get a refund or transfer my registration to another runner?

    If you are unable to attend the race, thank you for your donation. Refunds will not be issued. If you would like to transfer your registration to another runner, please use the Contact Form under the Race Info tab or send an email to steps4students@archgh.org

15. What happens if it rains on race day?

    Steps for Students is an all-weather race; unless there is an immediate safety concern issued by the City of Houston weather news, we will run/walk rain or shine. If the weather is severe, we urge you to follow our Facebook page and the Steps for Students website for immediate updates the morning of the race.

16. Can I bring my pet to the race?

    Unfortunately, due to the large crowd of runners and walkers, our furry babies are not allowed on the day of the race. Service animals are welcome. 

17. Are strollers allowed?

    Yes, participants with strollers will line up behind the walkers to ensure that everyone is safe.

18. What is RunSignUp?

    RunSignUp is a registration and fundraising platform that helps nonprofits to raise money, engage donors and manage volunteers quickly and efficiently. RunSignUp is used by over 15,000 organizations around the country.

19. Do I need to create an account with RunSignUp?

    Yes. The benefits of creating an account include having your tax receipts collected in one location, being able to track your donations, follow the charities you support, and engage in future volunteering and donations. Your tax receipt is emailed immediately upon processing your donation. To claim a donation as a deduction on U.S. taxes, you should retain the donation receipt as an official record.

20. Can I make donations or register via a mobile device?

    Yes! Simply visit www.steps4students.org on your mobile device.

21. Have another question?

    Contact us at steps4students@archgh.org.

1.  I have a friend who wants to register, what do they need to know?

Race Day registrations will take place online from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.  Only credit cards will be accepted.  Registration will take place in Fiorenza Plaza (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002) directly in front of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.  

2.  My schedule has changed, and I cannot attend Steps for Students. Can I get a refund or transfer my registration to another runner?

If you are unable to attend the race, thank you for your donation.  Refunds will not be issued.  If you would like to transfer your registration to another runner, please email steps4students@archgh.org.

3. Where can I park on race day?

Street parking and parking in area surface lots and garages will be available.  Downtown Houston street parking is generally metered parking. Meter regulations ARE enforced on Saturdays, so please be aware of where you park.  Be prepared to pay for parking - most lots/meters are around $7.00 per day.  

Be aware that all course streets will shut down at 8:00 a.m.  Plan to arrive before that time or be prepared to walk from satellite parking lots.   

4. If I am timed, how do I wear my bib?

Your bib contains your timing chip.  Pin your bib number on the front of your shirt so that it is visible.  Safety pins will be available at packet pick up and on race day.  If you want to be timed, DO NOT wear someone else’s bib/chip.  Make sure the name on the bib is yours.  

5. Where can I find a restroom or medical services?

Restrooms are located on Fannin Street near the Catholic School Village.

Medical services are located in the Catholic School Village.  If you need medical assistance on the race course, please contact a police officer at a corner and help will be dispatched to you immediately. 

 6. What if it rains on race day?

Steps for Students is a rain or shine event.  We will run/walk unless our Race Director calls the race due to weather conditions that might threaten the imminent safety of our runners.  Race day updates will be posted on the Facebook page which is linked to the Steps for Students website at www.steps4students.org.  Please check this site before you leave your house on race day for the latest breaking news.  

7. I can’t find my group— where do I go?

It’s best to have a meeting point with your family (ex. your school’s tent).  In case you are separated, all lost children will be taken to the Volunteer Check-In tent in Fiorenza Plaza.  Once identified, the parent’s name will be announced from the stage.

8. Are strollers allowed?

Of course!  This is a family race and we welcome people of all ages.  Participants with strollers will line up at the back behind walkers to ensure that everyone is safe.

9. Are pets allowed at the race?    

NO. If you bring a pet, you will be asked to leave.

10. What safety measures will be in effect?

·       We have made every effort to control traffic along the course, but there are always people who may get through. Be alert!

·       Runners and walkers are expected to follow directions from all race officials. Police officers will be stationed around the course for traffic control and safety.

·       Water will be available at the start and finish lines and at two water stations along the course. Drink plenty of liquids before the race and do not run in this race if you are not sufficiently trained. If the temperature and humidity are high on race day, adjust to a slower pace.

11. Where is the lost and found?

All lost items will be taken to the Information Booth.  After the race, all remaining lost items will be held 10 days and then discarded.

12. Where can I meet my school team?

In the Catholic School Village - located in Fiorenza Plaza opposite the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Catholic School Village maps are available around the race site.

 QUESTIONS?  

Email steps4students@archgh.org.  

See PDF of the Race Day FAQ's included in this year's packets.

*Subject to change.

5:30 AM - 6:30 AM – Catholic School Village Setup

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM - Race Day Registration booth opens
7:00 AM – Sunrise Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
7:00 AM – Catholic School Village Opens
7:10 AM - 7:40 AM – Catholic School Village Judging
8:00 AM – Mascot Warm-Up @ Start Line
8:15 AM – Presentation of the David Guite Spirit Award & President’s Cup @ Start Line
8:30 AM – Timed 5K Start
8:40 AM – Untimed 5K & Family 1K Fun Run Start
9:30 AM – Presentation of Race Awards (Estimate)
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM – Post-Race Party in Catholic School Village
12:00 PM – Catholic School Village Cleared & All Roads Open

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart - 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002

Start Line and Stage is in front of the front doors of the Downtown Chancery,  1700 San Jacinto St, Houston, TX 77002

THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL VILLAGE – FIORENZA PLAZA - 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002

See Tabs 'Catholic School Village Map' and 'Course Map' .

Captains

Captain's Training Manual

RSVP Captain's Packet Pick-Up February 7, 2026, 9 AM - 3 PM - location TBD

Catholic School Village Booth Reservation

Captain's Training presentation - 9-12-25

Promotional Videos

• 2025 Promo Video

• "Get Involved" Video

Helpful Links

• David Guite Spirit Award Application

• Offline Donations/Pledge Tracker

• Catholic School Village Sign-Up

Promotional Resources

• *NEW - Six-Week Marketing and Advertising Plan

• High-Resolution Logo

• What is Steps for Students?

• Mass Announcements

• Bulletin Image 1

• Bulletin Image 2

RunSignUp Tutorials

• VIDEO - Set Up Team Page

• How to Edit your Team Fundraiser

• How to Save your Team Fundraiser Page URL or QR Code
• How to Save your individual Fundraiser Page URL or QR Code

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