Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5k
- Date Sat 6th December 2025 - Sun 7th December 2025
- Time 8:30AM EST
- Location Bedford, Virginia
- Price $13.72 - $27.50
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5k, taking place on December 6-7, 2025, in the charming town of Bedford, Virginia! Celebrating its 46th year, this beloved holiday tradition invites participants of all ages and abilities to join the festive fun. The main event, a lively 5k race, kicks off at 8:30 AM, followed by the "Peaks Junior" 1 Mile for children around 9:45 AM.
Participants can look forward to a day filled with cheerful caroling, friendly faces, and a delightful post-race celebration featuring warm cinnamon rolls. The race will start and finish at Bedford Baptist Church, with the scenic course taking runners through the picturesque Bedford Loop. Don't miss the chance to support a great cause, as all proceeds benefit the Bedford Area YMCA's Financial Aid program, helping families in need access health and wellness resources. Join the community spirit and make lasting memories at this festive race where joy and camaraderie are at the heart of the celebration!
Participants can look forward to a day filled with cheerful caroling, friendly faces, and a delightful post-race celebration featuring warm cinnamon rolls. The race will start and finish at Bedford Baptist Church, with the scenic course taking runners through the picturesque Bedford Loop. Don't miss the chance to support a great cause, as all proceeds benefit the Bedford Area YMCA's Financial Aid program, helping families in need access health and wellness resources. Join the community spirit and make lasting memories at this festive race where joy and camaraderie are at the heart of the celebration!
Organiser's Description
The Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5k is celebrating 46 years! Join runners and walkers of all ages and abilities for this central Virginia holiday tradition. Children are also invited to participate in the "Peaks Junior" 1 Mile. Proceeds support the Bedford Area YMCA's Financial Aid program. This event is known for its friendly faces, caroling volunteers, and fun post-race celebration with a cinnamon roll! The Town of Bedford Christmas Parade is traditionally held just after the event.
_LOCATION_
Race HQ will be located at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523.
EVENT START TIMES:
*5k (Live): 8:30AM
1 Mile "Junior Peaks": approx. 9:45 AM
REGISTRATION:
5K (in person): $25 (thru 10/12) || $30 (10/13- 12/5) || $35 Race Day (12/6)
(Virtual) 5K: $25
1 Mile "Junior Peaks": $12 (thru 10/19) || $15 (10/20-12/6)
(Virtual) Peaks Jr. 1 mile: $12
ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST BE SIGNED UP BEFORE RACE DAY.
PAPER REGISTRATION IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT
REFUND POLICY:
Registration fees are non-transferable & non-refundable. An entry can only be used for the person registered for the entry. Entries cannot be deferred to the following year or a future event.
T-SHIRTS:
World famous, long sleeve, t-shirts are guaranteed to those registered for all 5k and 1 Mile events by November 17th. On November 18th and after, t-shirts will be available at packet pickup on a first come basis.
Packet Pickup:
Thursday (12/4) 12-6pm, Bedford Area Family YMCA, 1111 Turnpike Rd., Bedford, VA 24523
Friday (12/5) 12-6pm, Bedford Area Family YMCA, 1111 Turnpike Rd., Bedford, VA 24523
Saturday (12/6) 7:00am - 8:15 am, Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523
"yes" someone else can pick up your packet for you.
_ASSISTED PARTICIPANTS:_
_We are pleased to provide an opportunity for assisted participants to enjoy race day. An assisted participant is typically being pushed in a stroller "appropriate" for the event (ie.. hand break, tether, appropriate wheels). Both the participant being pushed and the pusher are required to register for this event. Assisted participants will start prior to the 5K start and be ranked separately from the 5k event. _
AWARDS:
Award ceremony will be held following both 5k and 1 mile events. After the event results can be found on our RunSigUp page. For those whom are unable to stay for ceremony then awards may be picked up beginning Monday, December 5th.
Top 4 Overall M/F, Top Overall Masters M/F, Top 3 in each age group. Awards ranked on "chip" time.
_"Top of the Hill challege, $25 to first make and female to reach top of Bedford Memorial hill._
*This is a Chip timed event, Disposable MyLaps Race Bib Technology will be used. Riverside Runners.
_TEAM COMPETITION_
Individuals have the option during registration to register for our team competition. A minimum of 5, regardless of gender, comprise a team. Participants can choose to join a team already listed or create their own team. The corporate cup will be given to the top team based on the lowest cumulative time of the 5 team members. Team registration ends on Friday, December 5th at 6:00PM. NO TEAM MEMBERS WILL BE ADDED ON RACE DAY.
_AGE GROUPS_
Custom medals for age group awards.
5K RACE: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & up. Age Group ranking based on "chip" time.
Peaks Junior 1 Mile Race Age Groups:
0-5, 6-8, 9-12
RACE COURSE:
Once again 2023 saw the introduction of our course on the Bedford Loop. Our start and finish is at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St., Bedford, Virginia 24523.
Participants for the 5k proceed out of the church driveway and left on to Oakwood St, From then it will follow the Bedford Loop such as in years past. Proceeding right on Longwood Ave., right on Hampton Ridge., left turn on Locust St. then left onto Elm St., right turn back on Longwood Ave., turn right into Old Bedford Middle School parking lot, across parking lot then turn right onto Peaks St., right onto Witfield Dr., right on Oakwood St., cross over Oakwood St and back into the exit of Bedford Baptist Church.
100% of the proceeds raised will go for scholarships to low and fixed-income families, seniors, and individuals which allow them to join the YMCAs Health & Wellness and Childcare programs.
_LOCATION_
Race HQ will be located at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523.
EVENT START TIMES:
*5k (Live): 8:30AM
1 Mile "Junior Peaks": approx. 9:45 AM
REGISTRATION:
5K (in person): $25 (thru 10/12) || $30 (10/13- 12/5) || $35 Race Day (12/6)
(Virtual) 5K: $25
1 Mile "Junior Peaks": $12 (thru 10/19) || $15 (10/20-12/6)
(Virtual) Peaks Jr. 1 mile: $12
ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST BE SIGNED UP BEFORE RACE DAY.
PAPER REGISTRATION IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT
REFUND POLICY:
Registration fees are non-transferable & non-refundable. An entry can only be used for the person registered for the entry. Entries cannot be deferred to the following year or a future event.
T-SHIRTS:
World famous, long sleeve, t-shirts are guaranteed to those registered for all 5k and 1 Mile events by November 17th. On November 18th and after, t-shirts will be available at packet pickup on a first come basis.
Packet Pickup:
Thursday (12/4) 12-6pm, Bedford Area Family YMCA, 1111 Turnpike Rd., Bedford, VA 24523
Friday (12/5) 12-6pm, Bedford Area Family YMCA, 1111 Turnpike Rd., Bedford, VA 24523
Saturday (12/6) 7:00am - 8:15 am, Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523
"yes" someone else can pick up your packet for you.
_ASSISTED PARTICIPANTS:_
_We are pleased to provide an opportunity for assisted participants to enjoy race day. An assisted participant is typically being pushed in a stroller "appropriate" for the event (ie.. hand break, tether, appropriate wheels). Both the participant being pushed and the pusher are required to register for this event. Assisted participants will start prior to the 5K start and be ranked separately from the 5k event. _
AWARDS:
Award ceremony will be held following both 5k and 1 mile events. After the event results can be found on our RunSigUp page. For those whom are unable to stay for ceremony then awards may be picked up beginning Monday, December 5th.
Top 4 Overall M/F, Top Overall Masters M/F, Top 3 in each age group. Awards ranked on "chip" time.
_"Top of the Hill challege, $25 to first make and female to reach top of Bedford Memorial hill._
*This is a Chip timed event, Disposable MyLaps Race Bib Technology will be used. Riverside Runners.
_TEAM COMPETITION_
Individuals have the option during registration to register for our team competition. A minimum of 5, regardless of gender, comprise a team. Participants can choose to join a team already listed or create their own team. The corporate cup will be given to the top team based on the lowest cumulative time of the 5 team members. Team registration ends on Friday, December 5th at 6:00PM. NO TEAM MEMBERS WILL BE ADDED ON RACE DAY.
_AGE GROUPS_
Custom medals for age group awards.
5K RACE: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & up. Age Group ranking based on "chip" time.
Peaks Junior 1 Mile Race Age Groups:
0-5, 6-8, 9-12
RACE COURSE:
Once again 2023 saw the introduction of our course on the Bedford Loop. Our start and finish is at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St., Bedford, Virginia 24523.
Participants for the 5k proceed out of the church driveway and left on to Oakwood St, From then it will follow the Bedford Loop such as in years past. Proceeding right on Longwood Ave., right on Hampton Ridge., left turn on Locust St. then left onto Elm St., right turn back on Longwood Ave., turn right into Old Bedford Middle School parking lot, across parking lot then turn right onto Peaks St., right onto Witfield Dr., right on Oakwood St., cross over Oakwood St and back into the exit of Bedford Baptist Church.
100% of the proceeds raised will go for scholarships to low and fixed-income families, seniors, and individuals which allow them to join the YMCAs Health & Wellness and Childcare programs.
Races
-
5k (In Person)
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt (Guarantee Deadline Tue. 11/18)
Sat 6th December 2025 (8:30AM EST)
$27.50
-
1 Mile "Peaks Junior" (In Person)
Incl. $1.72 Fee & T-Shirt (Guarantee Deadline Tue. 11/18)
Sat 6th December 2025 (9:45AM EST)
$13.72
-
Virtual 5K
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt (Guarantee Deadline Tue. 11/18)
$27.50
This event will be on your own. You can run your 3.1 mile distance any day between Saturday, Dec. 6th-8th. You may choose any 3.1 mile route that you wish. I recommend that you simply run the Bedford Loop, however any is fine. You can register any time until Sunday, Dec. 7th which is the day after the actual live event. Make sure you clock yourself and you can log into RunSignUp and enter your time. T-shirt guarantee deadline is Nov. 18th and the deadline to have your packet mailed to you before the event is Nov. 19th with an additional cost of $10. You may also pick up your packet on either packet pick-up days, Dec. 4th and 5th. -
1 Mile "Peaks Junior" (Virtual)
Incl. $1.72 Fee & T-Shirt (Guarantee Deadline Tue. 11/18)
$13.72
This event will be on your own. You can run your 1 mile distance any day between Saturday, Dec. 6th-7th You may choose any 1 mile route that you wish. I recommend that you simply run the Bedford Loop, however, any is fine. You can register any time until Sunday, Dec. 7th which is the day after the actual live event. Make sure you clock yourself and you can log into RunSignUp and enter your time. T-shirt guarantee deadline is Nov. 13th and the deadline to have your packet mailed to you before the event is Nov. 19th with an additional cost of $10. You may also pick up your packet on either packet pick-up days, Dec 7 - Dec 8.
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1516 Oakwood St., Bedford, 24523, VA, United States
Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5k
