The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge – Columbus, Mississippi 2026 — Columbus, MS

Date
October 3, 2026
Location
Columbus, MS
Venue
301 2nd Ave N, Columbus, MS 39701
Start Time
9:00 AM
Sunrise
6:48 AM
Entry Fee
$30.00 – $40.00
Events
Family Donut 5K — 9:00 a.m. (12 & Under Discount Applied at Checkout), Beer Challenge 5K — 10:30 a.m. — Individual, Beer Challenge 5K — 10:30 a.m. — Three-Person Relay
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open
Get ready to run, eat, drink, and celebrate at The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge in Columbus, MS! Join us at Munson’s on Saturday, October 3, for two festive 5Ks benefiting the YMCA. Whether you’re looking for family fun at the 9:00 Donut Race or to start the morning beer-chugging at the 10:30 Beer Race, The Oktoberfest Challenge promises a morning of festive fun, friendly competition and memorable moments for all. THE FAMILY DONUT 5K — 9:00 A.M. Runners of all ages are invited to take on our family-friendly Donut 5K, featuring a donut station at every mile! Children ages 12 and under may participate for free. Registration is $30 for adults and participants over age 12. Each registered participant will receive an official race T-shirt. Trophies will be awarded to the top girl and boy finishers. THE BEER 5K — 10:30 A.M. Participants ages 21 and older can take on the Beer 5K as an individual runner or as part of a three-person relay team. Runners will chug one beer at each mile along the course. Individual registration is $40. Relay registration is $32 per person. Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female individual finishers and each member of the winning relay team. All Beer 5K participants must present a valid photo ID at check-in. No one under 21 will be permitted to participate in the Beer 5K. REGISTRATION INFORMATION Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Register by September 23rd to guarantee your official Oktoberfest Challenge T-shirt. Shirts and preferred sizes cannot be guaranteed after the deadline. Come run for a great cause, enjoy the Oktoberfest atmosphere, and help us support the YMCA. Serious runners, casual joggers, families, and relay teams are all welcome!

Course & Travel Notes

The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge starts at 9:00 AM, giving you more than two hours after sunrise at 6:49 AM to prepare for race day. October weather in Columbus typically features highs around 78°F and lows near 54°F, with rain occurring on about 20% of days, so pack layers and check the forecast before you arrive. The venue sits at a modest elevation of 230 feet, which should feel comfortable for most runners. Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) is conveniently located just 10 miles from the race venue, making it easy to arrange transportation to the event.

⛰️ 230 ft elevation☀️ Typically 78°F / 54°F · 20% chance of rain✈️ Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) — 10 mi

Hotels Near This Race

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The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge – Columbus, Mississippi 2026 — Columbus, MS

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for October 3.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Columbus, MS. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge – Columbus, Mississippi 2026 — Columbus, MS?

The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge – Columbus, Mississippi 2026 — Columbus, MS takes place on October 3, 2026. The race is held in Columbus, Mississippi.

Where is The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge – Columbus, Mississippi 2026 — Columbus, MS held?

The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge – Columbus, Mississippi 2026 — Columbus, MS is held at 301 2nd Ave N, Columbus, MS 39701 in Columbus, Mississippi.

Where can I find hotels near The Oktoberfest 5K Challenge – Columbus, Mississippi 2026 — Columbus, MS?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Columbus. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.