San Antonio’s 16th Annual City Manager’s 5K Returns April 4 at SeaWorld, Bringing Fitness, Family, and Community Together
For many San Antonio families, spring brings more than warmer weather—it signals the return of one of the city’s most recognizable traditions centered on health, connection, and community pride. The 16th Annual City Manager’s 5K Walk & Run is set for Saturday, April 4, 2026, at SeaWorld San Antonio, offering residents across Bexar County a chance to come together for a morning that blends fitness with fun.
More than just a race, the City Manager’s 5K San Antonio reflects a growing commitment to wellness that extends beyond city employees and into neighborhoods across the region. Whether participants are first-time walkers, seasoned runners, or families pushing strollers, the event is designed to be inclusive—welcoming all ages and abilities.
A Community Tradition Rooted in Wellness
What began in 2007 as a small employee wellness initiative has grown into a citywide event that now attracts thousands of participants each year. Originally launched by the City of San Antonio’s Wellness Division with just over 500 attendees at Brackenridge Park, the event has evolved into a signature community gathering that highlights the city’s long-term investment in health and wellbeing.
Over the years, the race has traveled across iconic San Antonio locations—from Alamo Plaza to Roosevelt Park—and even adapted during the pandemic with a virtual format. In 2026, the event returns once again to SeaWorld San Antonio, located at 10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, offering a unique course experience through the park itself.
“We’re proud to once again host this family-friendly event for our employees and residents,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. “Promoting wellness is a key part of our organizational culture, and I’m excited to celebrate it with the entire community through this walk and run. I encourage everyone to join us on April 4."
For residents, the consistency of this event speaks to something larger: a shared value placed on staying active, building connections, and creating spaces where families and neighbors can engage together.
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What Participants Can Expect at the 2026 City Manager’s 5K
This year’s San Antonio 5K event at SeaWorld brings several new and returning features designed to make the experience memorable for participants and spectators alike.
Highlights include:
- A new race course through SeaWorld San Antonio
- A Pre-K 4 SA Kids Zone, expanding family-friendly engagement
- Medals for top finishers across multiple age divisions
- City mascots, music, and local vendors
- Access to discounted SeaWorld tickets (up to 66% off) for participants
From the starting line to the finish, the event is built to feel less like a competition and more like a celebration of movement and community spirit.
Event Schedule and Key Details
Residents planning to attend the City Manager’s 5K Walk & Run 2026 can expect a full morning of activities:
- 5:30 a.m. – Packet pickup and onsite registration begins
- 6:30 a.m. – Vendor booths open
- 7:30 a.m. – Opening ceremonies
- 8:00 a.m. – Race start
- 8:30 a.m. – Closing ceremonies
- 9:45 a.m. – Event concludes
- 10:30 a.m. – SeaWorld opens to the public
Parking will be available free of charge in the SeaWorld San Antonio parking lot.
Registration Information for San Antonio Participants
The event remains intentionally accessible, with low-cost and free registration options:
- City of San Antonio employees and retirees: Free
- Friends and family of employees: $5 + fees
- Community participants: $10 through March 28, $15 on race day
Registration is open until April 4, 2026 (7:55 a.m.), though early registration is encouraged to secure lower pricing and avoid long lines.
Participants can also purchase an event t-shirt for $10 if ordered by March 24, with no exchanges after the deadline.
Packet pickup opportunities are scheduled across multiple days and locations, including City Tower downtown and the TriPoint YMCA, making it convenient for residents throughout San Antonio.
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Designed for All Ages, Abilities, and Fitness Levels
One of the defining features of the San Antonio City Manager’s 5K is its accessibility. The event welcomes:
- Walkers and runners
- Families with strollers
- Participants using wheelchairs
- First-time 5K participants
For those just beginning their wellness journey, a free 5K training program is available through the event’s race partner, helping remove barriers and encourage broader participation.
Awards will be presented to top male and female finishers, masters divisions, and across multiple age groups ranging from youth to seniors 70 and older.
More Than a Race: What This Means for San Antonio
Events like the City Manager’s 5K Walk & Run do more than promote physical activity—they help shape the identity of a city that values connection, accessibility, and shared experiences.
For families, it’s an opportunity to spend meaningful time together outdoors. For city employees, it reinforces a culture of wellness that extends into their daily work. And for the broader San Antonio community, it serves as a reminder that public spaces and local events can bring people together in ways that strengthen neighborhoods.
The addition of family-focused elements like the Kids Zone and interactive vendor areas reflects a continued effort to make the event not just inclusive, but engaging for every generation.
What Happens Next
With registration open and preparations underway, organizers are encouraging residents to sign up early and consider volunteering. Community members interested in volunteering can contact IAAP at 210-367-1886 for opportunities to support the event.
As April 4 approaches, the City Manager’s 5K San Antonio 2026 is expected to once again draw thousands—each step reinforcing a tradition that continues to grow alongside the city itself.
For ongoing updates about local events, community initiatives, and what matters most to San Antonio neighborhoods, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.