Jessica Eubanks Burgin Memorial 5k Run

Event Overview

Race hosted by De Kalb Bear Booster Athletic Dept. for our town of De Kalb, TX

• Beneficiary: 100 % of entry fees go back to our student athletes
• Date: September 26, 2026
• Location: 101 Maple Street, De Kalb, TX 75559
• Race Link: More Information

Directions to the Starting Line

From the east on HWY 82 at the red light, turn left. Take the first right onto Grizzly Drive and drive until you see the DeKalb ISD Gymnasium. From the west on HWY 82 at the first red light, turn right. You will see the Administration Office and the High School Gymnasium straight ahead. Parking is in the Gym parking lot. Start/Finish line is on Grizzly, right in front of the DISD Marquee.

Race History

The Oktoberfest 5K was established in 1982 through the efforts of Joyce Bearden and Richard Engle. For many years, the race was the kick-off event for Saturday in the Park fun, which was always the Saturday before our town's Oktoberfest event. However, change is inevitable, and Saturday in the Park was moved to the Spring. The Athletic Boosters wanted to continue this race that has been held for over 40 years, and wanted to re-name it in honor of Jessica Eubanks Burgin. Jessica was a graduate of DeKalb High School, the girl's track and cross country coach, and then was named the first girls Athletic Director of DeKalb ISD in 2022. Jessica passed away in January of 2024, after a long fight with cancer. Her name and memory lives on in DeKalb because of the life she led, and the influences she had on everyone that knew her. The date of this race will still be set for the last Saturday in September.

Course Description

The course starts and ends at the DISD Marquee, on Grizzly Dr. Runners will go down to the DeKalb Industrial Park, turn left onto Liberty Drive, which is a concrete road, and run all the way to the back of the Industrial Park, and then take a left. At this point, runners will be on a dirt/grassy trail and will run behind the DeKalb City Park, all the way back to Walker St. which runs by the High School Softball field. Runners will take a left on Lee Street and then it continues around to the gym and down Maple Street to the High School. They will turn left onto Broadway Street and then take a left onto Grizzly and into the finish line. The course is clearly marked and will have a lead person. Water will be provided at the start/finish and at the half-way point.

This is a closed course but be aware that some drivers will ignore our best efforts.

Race Rules

• Required Attitude: You MUST have fun!
• Participants: Everyone of all ages and fitness levels are welcome as long as you can walk 3.1 miles.
• Pets: We love your fur babies but for their safety and the safety of others we ask that you let your pets cheer you on but not be in the race.
• Walker Registration: If you register as a "walker" you are agreeing that you will not jog or run at any time during the race.

Entry Fee Information

• Individual Entry: $35 with shirt.
• School Teams: No shirt with entry, $75 per team up to $300 per school.
• Shirt Purchase: Shirts may be purchased for $20.