Santas Beyond the Eye Can See at the San Diego Santa Run
The Santa Run’s festive, and I would even dare to call it ‘jolly’, atmosphere makes this 5K a truly one of a kind experience.
All 5k participants get a Santa suit as part of their registration fee and it’s open to runners and walkers at all fitness levels. It’s equally perfect for serious runners looking for a challenge and families looking for a fun holiday themed outdoor activity.
Even better, the race concludes with the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade. This lively parade has floats, marching bands, and some of the best community groups, local businesses, and charities from the area.
Of course, nothing quite beats looking out into the crowd and seeing thousands of Santa Clauses for putting you into the holiday spirit.
And if you want to be part of the event, registration and volunteer opportunities are still open as of the writing of this article.
Course Details
Both the starting and finish line will be at 912 Garnet Ave, San Diego.
If you decide to participate, you’ll be looking at a 3.13 mile course with a 133 foot elevation gain. While there is no course cut-off time, walkers are encouraged to keep a 20 minute per mile pace. This way, the race can stay on schedule for the following waves.
Are Strollers Welcome?
Strollers are welcome in all waves. And for our creative and crafty readers, decorated strollers are encouraged!
The course map is available on the official Santa Run website.
Is There a Difference Between the 8:00am and 10:00am 5k?
Organizers created two wave times to accommodate both early-risers and snooze button aficionados.
That being said, only participants in the 8:00am wave are eligible for the Age Group Awards. Both waves will still be chip timed.
So, every participant in the 8:00am wave, 10:00am wave, and Kids Run will get their timed results!
Welcome to the San Diego Santa Run
Registration Details
The 5K Run/Walk, Kid’s 1 Mile Run and the Dog Run all have separate registration details. Let’s have a look at what each will cost and what you will receive.
Santa Run 5K Run/Walk
Both 5Ks are currently $54.99 to register, including all fees. The price will go up to $64.99 on the day of the race.
All participants will receive:
- Sunny Santa Suit
- Sunglasses
- Race Bib
- Drink Ticket
- Chip Timing
Santa’s Elves Mile - The Kid’s Run for 12 & Under
If you’re looking for a way to run with your kids, the 1 Mile Kid’s Run is the perfect answer!
The registration fee is $34.99 and will go up to $44.99 on the event day.
All participants will receive:
- Santa Hat
- Sunglasses
- Race Bib
- Chip Timing for Kids Run
- Finisher Medal for Kids Run
Santa’s Little Helper Mile - The Dog Run
If running as Santa with your dog sounds like fun, the Dog Run is a great choice. It’s currently $34.99 to sign-up, including all fees, going up to $44.99 on the 14th.
A quick heads up, dogs are not allowed in either 5K. So this is your best and only option, if you’d like to take part with your pet.
All participants will receive:
- Santa Hat
- Sunglasses
- Race Bib
Run PB Challenge
If you really love to run, or just like taking part in races, then I suggest that you join the Run PB Challenge.
When you sign-up and complete the three San Diego Running Co. events held in Pacific Beach in the same calendar year, you’ll receive a special RUN PB Challenge bib at each race as well as a massive finisher metal upon completion.
The three races in the challenge are the San Diego Leprechaun Run, Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K and the San Diego Santa Run.
Given that the Santa Run is the final event of the year, sign-up for the 2025 series with the Leprechaun Run set for March 15th, 2025, the Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K set for October 4th, 2025 and the Santa Run in 2025 set for a weekend in December!
Having Fun at the San Diego Santa Run
No Suit? No Problem!
Everyone is welcome to partake in Santa Run in their best - or ugliest - Christmas attire!
Of course, if you don’t own a Santa suit, no problem! I really love the fact that if you don’t have your own Santa outfit like me, that’s OK because the big guy’s iconic red outfit is included in your 5k registration fee!
Out of the Gates at the San Diego Santa Run
Additional Swag Options
A Santa Run t-shirt will be available for purchase at the race for an additional $20.
If you’re a fun sock aficionado like I am, candy cane socks are also available for $12.