PHOTOS: Running for the love of Catholic education

Runners dash from the starting line at the 2026 Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston on Feb. 14. Nearly 11,000 were registered for the annual race, which benefits Catholic education in the Archdiocese. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)

Thousands turn out downtown for Steps for Students

HOUSTON — Rain and overcast skies didn’t deter thousands who charged through downtown Houston for the 21st annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. 

More than 10,900 were registered for the annual race, which benefits Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

PHOTOS: Seen at Steps for Students 2026

The morning began with Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, with more than 15 concelebrating priests from area Catholic schools. After Mass, participants braved some rainshowers heading into the Catholic School Village for last-minute bites and carb loads before heading to the starting line on San Jacinto Street. 

Before the airhorn start, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez recognized the value and importance of Catholic education. He also joined racers on the 1K route, which drew a wide circle around the co-cathedral. The national anthem was sung by Zoe Bush, a student at Incarnate Word Academy, which was followed by the official start of the race.

Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese, joined Archbishop Vásquez in greeting walkers, runners and even strollers as they passed the starting line to begin their race.

Two major awards were given that morning: St. Jerome Catholic School in Houston won the David Guite Spirit Award, the highest honor given by the Steps for Students race committee in memory of Guite, a strong advocate for Catholic education and founding member of the Steps for Students event. St. Peter Catholic High School won the President’s Cup, a foot-and-a-half-tall silver-hued metal trophy recognizing the high school with the largest percentage of participation in Steps for Students based on enrollment. 

To learn more about Steps for Students, visit www.steps4students.org.