
Blue Bell Fun Run
Blue Bell Fun Run: Texas hills, bluebonnets, and ice cream at the finish.
Race Date
Apr 3, 2027
Location
Brenham, TX
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 3, 2027
- Location
- Brenham, Texas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,511
Highlights
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its 48th year, the Blue Bell Fun Run draws roughly 800 runners from 18 states and counting. About one in five return each year, lured by a course that winds through Brenham’s rolling hills and fields of bluebonnets. The USATF-certified point-to-point route offers a net downhill drop, making it a quiet PR candidate amid the wildflower scenery.
The half marathon packs community character into every mile. Local high school athletes volunteer on course, and the finish line delivers what the name promises: all the Blue Bell ice cream you can eat. Runners also receive a participant medal and a 13.1-themed shirt—souvenirs that mark both the distance and the town’s sweetest tradition.
With distances from a Kids’ Mile to the half, the event welcomes families and newcomers alike. The hills are present but forgiving, and the post-race celebration is the real reward. It’s a low-key, locally run race that proves a small Texas town can host a big-hearted morning.
Race-provided description
In March 2026, Run For the Youth of Washington County will be hosting the 48th Annual Blue Bell Fun Run. This event is fun for people of all ages. We offer individual events in the Kids' 1-Mile Run for those 10 and under, a 5K walk or run, a 10K run, and a 1/2 marathon for those desiring a greater challenge. Runners will work their way through the beautiful hills of Brenham surrounded by bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Every runner gets all the Blue Bell ice cream that he/she can eat at the race. Each runner will also receive a participant t-shirt and participant medal. Half marathon participants will receive an additional 13.1 t-shirt and a 13.1 medal. Starting in 1978, this race began to benefit the Brenham High School Athletic program and did so for many years. Today, the run serves a broader community by fostering the physical health of and instilling good character in the youth of Washington County. Run for the Youth of Washington County sponsors events like the Blue Bell Fun Run, and conducts and provides charitable and other non-profit programs and activities in Washington County. Brenham High School athletes serve as volunteers for the race. Family/Group Discount: Families or friends with 4 or more members will receive $5 off for each participant. Participants must be registered in one transaction to receive the discount - just click add another registrant.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 3, 2027
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
525 A H Ehrig Dr., Brenham, TX, 77833
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural, Small Town
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.28 m
Separation
2.4%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
TX19021LAB · Blue Bell Half Marathon Alternate
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Standout798 years running
~774 finishers a year
growing or steady
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 7 timing sources
runners from 18 states
winner 1:18:15
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
52°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
16 mph
Wind
64%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,511 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
3,511
Median time
2:16:40
Latest turnout
818
States
36
Turnout by year
2021–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Blue Bell Fun Run?
The Blue Bell Fun Run is held on Saturday, April 3, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Blue Bell Fun Run take place?
It takes place in Brenham, Texas.
What distances does the Blue Bell Fun Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles.
Is the Blue Bell Fun Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Blue Bell Fun Run is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Blue Bell Fun Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,511 runners who have completed the Blue Bell Fun Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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