Death by 5k Tulsa
Sat, Sep 19, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT
- Location
- 432 W 23rd st, Tulsa, OK 74107
- Distance
- 50K
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
A unique 24-hour ultra-challenge in Tulsa, where you'll run ten 5ks over 24 hours, testing your limits for a coveted coffin award.
- Scenic
- Competitive
- Quirky
Scenic
Competitive
QuirkyGreat for
- Beginner Friendly
Beginner FriendlyThe Death by 5k Tulsa challenges runners to complete ten 5k segments over a 24-hour period, starting one every 2.5 hours. This unique event tests both mental and physical endurance, including running through the night with required illumination. The course winds along the paved river trail, offering views as you cross the river twice. Participants can set up tents or rest in their cars between segments, with prepared food and snacks provided. Finishers earn a coveted coffin award, celebrating their survival of this demanding ultra-challenge.
What to expect
- Prepare for a demanding 24-hour challenge, completing ten 5k segments on a paved river trail.
- Between segments, rest in your car or tent at River West 23rd St Park.
- Enjoy prepared food, snacks, water, and Gatorade throughout the event.
Standout details
- Ten 5k segments over 24 hours
- Coveted coffin awards for finishers
- Paved river trail with two river crossings
- Sleep deprivation and night running challenge
Perks & features
- Shirt
ShirtFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
From the organizer
Death by 5k is coming back to Tulsa for year 4! Heat, hail, high winds, torrential rain....Tulsa is always an exciting time!
RunStrong Event's signature 24 hour challenge, Death by 5k requires participants to run ten 5ks starting one every 2.5 hours, for 24 hours. The first 5k starts at 8 am, and subsequent 5ks start at 1030, 1, 330, 6, 830, 11, 130, 4, and 630 am. Participants need to be present at the start of each 5k, and have that 5k finished prior to the start of the subsequent 5k. This challenge is designed to test participants mentally and physically with physical fatigue, sleep deprivation, and running in the dark. (Headlamps, hand lights, or some other form of illumination will be required)
Death by 5k Tulsa will start and finish at the new River West 23rd St Park, and will be run on the paved river trail, including crossing over the river twice.
In between each 5k, participants will be able to sleep in their cars, or to put up tents in the grass areas at River West 23rd St. Park. There is plenty of space for pop up or camping tents. Participants can leave in between 5ks if desired.
Prepared food will be provided at 830 am, 130 pm, 9 pm and 430 am. Snacks will be provided throughout the entirety of the event, along with water and Gatorade..
Participants will receive an event shirt and some additional swag. Finishers will receive one of our coveted coffin awards and the pride that comes with surviving.
Registration will be limited initially to 300 participants. After that, a waitlist will be enabled and we will open spots if/when they become available or if we decide to expand the field.
Death by 5k takes place at various locations including:
Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, AL Runstrong HQ in Brandon, MS Shelby Farms Park in Memphis Burns Park in Little Rock, AR Adventures Unlimited in Milton, FL George Wyth SP in Waterloo, IA Cornerstone Park, Henderson NV Balloon Fiesta Park, Albquerque NM Tyler State Park, Tyler, TX and more sites coming soon!
Visit www.deathby5k.com to learn more