Death by 5k Tyler
Sat, Oct 17, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Conquer ten 5ks over 24 hours in a unique endurance test at Tyler State Park, earning a coveted coffin award for your survival.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
- Quirky
Fun
Scenic
Competitive
QuirkyGreat for
- Beginner Friendly
Beginner FriendlyDeath by 5k Tyler invites you to a unique 24-hour challenge within the beautiful setting of Tyler State Park. This signature event tests your mental and physical endurance by requiring you to complete ten 5k segments, each starting every 2.5 hours. Prepare for physical fatigue, sleep deprivation, and running in the dark on rolling dirt trails. Finishers earn a coveted coffin award, celebrating their survival and accomplishment in this demanding yet scenic experience.
What to expect
- Run ten 5k segments over 24 hours on rolling dirt trails with rocks, roots, and mud.
- Expect a mental and physical test, including running in the dark (headlamp required).
- Hot food, snacks, drinks, an event shirt, and a unique coffin award for finishers are provided.
Standout details
- 24-hour, ten 5k endurance challenge
- Coveted coffin awards for finishers
- Tent camping at race HQ in state park
- Rolling dirt trails with rocks, roots, mud
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 beautiful Tyler State Park!
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) all while having a great time in a beautiful location.
Death by 5k Tyler will take place at Tyler State Park's Blackjack camping area and will be run on the adjacent dirt trails. Prepare for rocks, roots and maybe some mud for good measure. WARNING: This route is closer to 3.6 miles.
In between each 5k, participants will be able to sleep in their cars, or to put up tents in the Blackjack camping area which will also serve as the race HQ. Parking will be in nearby parking lots and along the main park road.
Hot food will be served at 830 am, 130 pm, 630 pm, 1130 pm and 430 am, along with plenty of snack food available throughout the event. Drinks provided will be water and mixed gatorade..
Participants will receive an event shirt and some great additional swag. Finishers will receive one of our coveted coffin awards and the pride that comes with surviving.
Registration will be limited to 150 participants. After that, a waitlist will be enabled and we will open spots if/when they become available only.
The race HQ area at Blackjack will be limited to tent camping only. If you wish to use a camper, you will need to rent a campsite at the park campground. You will have to do so through the park reservation system or by calling the park
Each participant will also have to pay the day use fee upon entrance to the park. This can be done up to 30 days in advance online or via the self pay station near the front office.
Death by 5k takes place at various locations including:
River West Festival Park, Tulsa, OK Oak Mountain SP in Alabama Runstrong HQ in Brandon, MS Shelby Farms Park in Memphis Adventures Unlimited in Milton, FL George Wyth SP in Waterloo, IA N Little Rock, and more sites coming soon!
Visit www.deathby5k.com to learn more *We do not offer refunds on registrations but we do allow deferrals or transfers up to two weeks prior to the event for a fee