Nonprofit profile

Houston Striders Inc

Houston, TXFounded 1985EIN 760365370
Kids & Youth 501(c)(3) verified No active projects
Overview

About Houston Striders Inc

Houston Striders gives runners in metro Houston a place to show up, train, and belong. The club organizes weekly runs, member events, and the Houston Half & 10K, while also directing proceeds to scholarships and local organizations through its charitable programs. If you care about helping runners find their footing, and helping that energy flow back into the community, this is an easy one to feel good about.

What sets Houston Striders apart is how plainly it ties club life to community support. One week you might be at Track Tuesday or a Saturday long run, and the next you are helping fund scholarships or charitable donations through the same organization.

What they do

Programs

The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.

Program 01

Weekly training runs

Member-only scheduled runs across metro Houston, including Track Tuesday, Track Thursday, Saturday long runs, and westside sessions.

Program 02

SMART Training Program

A free training program for members aiming for the UT Health Houston Half Marathon and Chevron Houston Marathon.

Program 03

Houston Half & 10K

The annual half-marathon and 10K held every October.

Program 04

Scholarships

Need-based renewable scholarships for eligible students, including children of current members in good standing.

Program 05

Community grants and charitable donations

Grants and donations to community and educational initiatives, including the Kind Stride program and local organizations.

Program 06

Member social events and meetings

Four membership meetings a year, plus social events and get-togethers for members.

The story

About this work

Mission

Support the fitness, fellowship and training goals of runners at all levels.

Who they serve

Runners of all levels in metro Houston, from first-time racers to Boston-qualified marathoners and ultra-marathoners.

Their impact

  • Hosted the Houston Half Marathon and 10K with more than 2,000 runners.
  • Awarded $14,000 in scholarships.
  • Provided $14,062 through the Kind Stride program.
  • Made $82,016 in charitable donations.

How your donation helps

  • Scholarships
  • Local organizations
  • Community and educational initiatives
  • Kind Stride program support
For the community

Need help?

How someone in need can access Houston Striders Inc’s services.

Scholarship applicants complete the application and submit supporting documents, including an official transcript and a letter of recommendation. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, current students in the greater Houston area, students attending a Texas university, college, higher education program or trade school in fall 2026, and children of current Houston Striders members in good standing.

Impact in person

Stories

The people behind the work.

David Hereford, Texas A&M

A scholarship recipient thanked Houston Striders for helping cover tuition and said the support made it possible to stay involved in leadership and volunteer work during his first year of college.

My first year was amazing, and I thank everyone who helped me cover my tuition. I was able to maintain a 3.7 while joining a freshman leadership organization and volunteering at my school’s fish camp for the summer. I also got into Mays Business School this summer, so I will be taking an accounting and finance class to see what path I should take. I want to again thank everyone who helped make this possible, and I can’t wait to see what I accomplish this year!

Claudia Rodriguez, University of Houston

A first-generation student described participating in career fairs and a student dinner event while completing her first year of college with family support and help from Houston Striders.

As a first-generation student, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing student life and participating in many events my school has hosted. During my first year at UH, I volunteered at the Conrad N. Hilton College Career Fairs in both the fall and spring, which gave me the opportunity to connect with classmates and future employers. In the spring, I also took part in Gourmet Night, a yearly student-led dinner event, where I helped set up and serve dishes. Overall, I’m grateful to have completed my first year of college with the support of my family, pets, and friends. Most importantly, thank you, Houston Striders, for supporting my educational journey as I pursue my bachelor’s degree in Global Hospitality Leadership at UH!

Mariana Juarez, University of Houston

A University of Houston student said nursing feels like a calling and that she wants to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives through care and support.

I want to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives by being an important part of their care and support.
Voices

In their words

My first year was amazing, and I thank everyone who helped me cover my tuition.
Thank you, Houston Striders, for supporting my educational journey as I pursue my bachelor’s degree in Global Hospitality Leadership at UH!
I want to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives by being an important part of their care and support.
Calendar

Events

Houston Half & 10K

annual

Annual half-marathon and 10K held every October.

Membership meetings

quarterly

Four membership meetings a year with food and drink included.

Beyond donations

Ways to help

Concrete needs and volunteer roles Houston Striders Inc has shared.

Volunteer opportunities

  • Volunteer at the UT Health Houston Half Marathon
  • Volunteer at long run events throughout training season
Collaborators

Partners & funders

Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)Houston Area Road Runners Association (HARRA)USA Track & Field (USATF)
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.

How often does the club organize runs?

At least 7 scheduled runs each week, spread across metro Houston.

What does membership include?

Membership comes with a free t-shirt, access to the SMART Training Program, four membership meetings a year, first notice on club events through Heylo, and membership discounts.

Who can use the training runs?

The training runs are open to runners of all paces and experience levels, from people getting ready for a first 5K to runners training for Boston.

How can someone volunteer?

Volunteer opportunities are available at the UT Health Houston Half Marathon and at long run events during training season.

Who can apply for scholarships?

Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors, current students in the greater Houston area, students who will attend a Texas higher education or trade school program in fall 2026, and children of current members in good standing.

Discover

Similar nonprofits

Other youth centers & clubs nonprofits in TX.

Donations are processed securely by Every.org, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity that acts as the merchant of record — handling tax receipts and 50-state solicitation compliance before disbursing funds to this nonprofit.