5K
Davis Street through Kessler Park and back, with the King of the Hill climb just past halfway.
Race at a glance
- What
- A Mardi Gras 5K, 1-mile fun run, and family festival
- When
- Sunday before Mardi Gras. 2027 date coming soon
- Where
- W Davis St by the Kessler Theater, Oak Cliff, Dallas
- Start times
- Fun Run 10:30am, 5K 11am, parade 1pm
- Benefits
- Grants for Oak Cliff schools and youth non-profits
A Mardi Gras 5K, fun run, and festival
Dash for the Beads is an annual chip-timed 5K run, 1-mile walk, and family festival that coincides with Mardi Gras. All net proceeds support Oak Cliff organizations that promote physical fitness, healthy eating, and arts programs.
Each year we join forces with the Go Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade, and both events are held back-to-back on Davis Street. After the run, join us for one of the best Mardi Gras parties in North Texas. Along with our fantastic Kid Zone, we have music, food trucks, and adult beverages, including fresh mimosas and craft beer. After a little partying, our prime location on Davis Street guarantees you the best view of the parade.
Our 5K course is beautiful and challenging. The race begins on Davis near the festival and winds through Kessler Park before heading back to the festival grounds on Davis. Our 1-mile walk is perfect for the little ones to get in on the action. It's held before the 5K so parents can do both.
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Let the good times roll.
Date announced soon
Race day
- 9:30amRegistration, packet pickup, bar open
- 10:00amDJ starts
- 10:30amFun Run / 1 mileHeld before the 5K so parents can do both.
- 11:00amDash for the Beads 5KChip-timed. Starts on Davis Street.
- 12:45pmAwards announcedTop three male and female in each age group.
- 1:00pmOak Cliff Mardi Gras ParadeDJ ends.
Packet pickup
Early packet pickup
Saturday before the race, 11am to 3pm. Oak Cliff Brewing Co, 1300 S Polk St, Dallas, TX 75224.
Race day
Pick up your packet at the Dash registration area when it opens at 9:30am.
Start and finish
Race start
The Kessler Theater area on W Davis St, at the corner of Clinton Ave.
Finish
Back at the festival grounds on Davis Street, steps from the parade route.
Course maps
Routes
Routes can change from year to year as we work to keep the race convenient for patrons, business owners, and Oak Cliff residents. Check here before race day.
1 mile fun run
A short, flat loop near the festival. Starts at 10:30am, before the 5K.
Just past halfway
King of the Hill
As the 5K turns back south on Edgefield Ave from Kessler Parkway, you hit a quarter-mile climb to Colorado Blvd. Make it to the top faster than anyone else and get crowned King of the Hill.
Awards
Medals and trophies
The 5K is chip-timed. Medals go to the top three male and female finishers in each of nine age groups, announced at 12:45pm.
- 12 and under
- 13 to 19
- 20 to 29
- 30 to 39
- 40 to 49
- 50 to 59
- 60 to 69
- 70 to 79
- 80+
The fastest climber on Edgefield takes the King of the Hill award.
Race-day questions
FAQ
The Dash is held each year on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, right before the Go Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade. The 2027 date will be announced soon. Sign up for race updates to hear first.
The festival, start, and finish are on W Davis St by the Kessler Theater, at Clinton Ave, in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, TX 75208.
A chip-timed 5K that winds through Kessler Park, and a 1-mile Fun Run for kids and families. The Fun Run starts at 10:30am, before the 5K at 11am, so parents can do both.
No, you do not. Several of our committee members only run if they are being chased. Cheer on your runners from a distance, then stay for the Go Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade and enjoy the great costumes.
Yes, it is. We encourage parents to bring their kids into the 5K and to join the 1-mile Fun Run, which starts first so you can do both. The festival has a Kid Zone too.
Davis Street closes for the race and parade, so plan to arrive early and walk a few blocks.
Strollers are welcome on the 1-mile Fun Run.
Allowed? Encouraged. Beads, masks, tutus, and jester hats are standard race wear. Just make sure you can run in it and your bib stays visible on the front.
Early packet pickup is the Saturday before the race, 11am to 3pm, at Oak Cliff Brewing Co, 1300 S Polk St, Dallas, TX 75224. You can also pick up on race day at the Dash registration area starting at 9:30am.
Yes. Medals go to the top three male and female 5K finishers in each of nine age groups, announced at 12:45pm. The fastest climber up Edgefield Ave takes the King of the Hill award.
Dash for the Beads is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Net proceeds fund grants for Oak Cliff schools and youth non-profits in physical fitness, healthy eating, and the arts. Since 2014 the Dash has awarded $325,000 to 34 organizations.
Still have a question? Ask the committee.
Get race updates
Be first to hear the 2027 date, when registration opens, and early pricing. A few emails a year.