Running for a Brighter Future in Durant

by Jim Peña

Everything You Need to Know About the Blazing 5k

Community is about more than just where you live. It is about how we show up for one another. This Saturday, April 11, the streets of downtown Durant will fill with energy for the 3rd Annual TOF Blazing 5k and Fun Run.

This event was started by local residents to honor their son, Blaze, and to create a more inclusive world for those with autism. Last year, the race raised enough funds to provide life-saving swim lessons for ten children in our area. This year, the goal is even bigger.

The Details:

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Location: Starts and ends at Opera House Coffee (202 W Evergreen St).
Schedule: The chip-timed 5k begins at 8:30 AM. The sensory-friendly Fun Run begins at 9:30 AM.
Packet Pickup: Swing by the home office at 223 N 3rd Ave on Friday from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM to grab your gear early.

Whether you are a competitive runner or just want to walk with a cup of coffee from Opera House, your presence makes a difference. This race is part of the Choctaw Nation PACE program, which means it is all about getting moving for a good cause.

Lace up your sneakers and help us blaze a trail toward inclusion. We hope to see the whole town there.

For more information contact: The Owen Foundation, Jenna Grimes, Race Director 📞 (903) 267-5751