A Time 2 Read Storybook 5K and Fun Run

🏃‍♂️ EVENT OVERVIEW

A Time 2 Read is having its 6th annual Storybook Character 5K and Family Fun Run. What a GREAT reason to come run with us! Runners may choose the 5K or the 1 Mile Fun Run. Everyone will get a T-shirt and those who cross the finish line will receive a FINISHER medal!

Runners who choose to dress as their favorite storybook character may win a prize if picked by our judges. It's the day after Halloween, so bring on the favorite characters!

• Prize for Best Family: Award for the most creative family costume.
• Prize for Best Adult: Recognition for the best-dressed adult.
• Prize for Best Child: Award for the best-dressed child.

This race will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Huntsville, TX with activities beginning at 7:30 am. We will begin and end in the parking lot of University Heights Baptist Church. (See race route below.)

📚 WHY WE RUN

A Time 2 Read is a literacy program that desires to impact the lives of children, teachers, families, and the communities in which they live by enhancing the quality of public education and increasing reading proficiency by 3rd and 4th grades. AT2R volunteers give one hour each week to coach two 2nd grade students, thirty minutes each, in a research-based literacy program. Ideally, each student in the program participates twice per week, receiving a full hour of coaching between their two volunteers. Giving students one hour of one-on-one time each week is impossible for teachers with a classroom full, so what we train our volunteers to do not only strengthens students’ reading levels but also serves teachers, those on the front lines day after day.

For the 2024-2025 school year, A Time 2 Read:

• Coaches: Had over 140 coaches.
• Students Served: Coached 194 1st & 2nd grade students in HISD.
• Sight Word Gains: 2nd grade students gained an average of 318 sight words.
• Pilot Program Success: 1st graders gained an average of 235 sight words.

The wellbeing of the entire Huntsville community depends upon a successful and high achieving school system. A Time 2 Read is becoming an integral part of these efforts by providing caring volunteers who not only help students build confidence and feel successful but also encourage teachers that their community is behind them.

We tutor students, not just to invest in their reading skills but to impact them for life. These consistent weekly sessions with the same adults provide them with encouragement and support that makes them feel valued and empowered. Educator Rita Pierson believed, “Every child deserves a champion–an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” AT2R volunteers are those champions who make powerful and lasting connections.

The A Time 2 Read Storybook 5K & Fun Run is the organization’s largest fundraiser every year. The sponsorships, donations, and participant fees help us continue to serve students, teachers, and families in Huntsville, fulfilling our motto:

SAVE A CHILD, SAVE A FAMILY, SAVE A CITY.

🗓️ AGENDA

7:00 am: On site Registration begins

7:30: Activities begin

🏅 PACKET PICK UP AND RACE DAY REGISTRATION

Packet Pick up will be Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm at the back portico of University Heights Baptist Church. You may park and walk up to the tables or drive through if you prefer to stay in your car. We realize this is different than previous years, but due to Halloween being the night before the race, we needed to do packet pickup earlier.

Race Day Registration will be available, and we can accept cash or check at the race site. You also may register on-line via credit card that morning to avoid the late registration crowd. T-shirt sizes/availability cannot be guaranteed after early registration.

To ensure you get your appropriate t-shirt size, it is best to register by October 13, 2025 by 11:59 pm.

🌟 SPECIAL INFORMATION

We have a VIRTUAL option available for those who live too far away to attend the live run OR for those who prefer to run their own course but would like to support a great cause. If you register for a virtual option and you are local, we ask that you pick up your race packet at the pre-race packet pick up on Friday, November 1 before the race. If you are not local, we will be happy to mail your race packet to you (for virtual participants only)!

📜 RACE RULES

• Everyone: All age groups are welcome and encouraged! (We'd love to see you as your favorite storybook character.)
• Strollers: Baby joggers and strollers are allowed, but please assemble at the back of the pack at the start of the race.
• Course: Participants must stay on the official course at all times. Please use the sidewalks where available and the street only for passing.
• Have Fun: Most importantly, have FUN on the RUN!

For more information and to register, please visit here.