Santa's Run Fest
- Date Sat 19th December 2026
- Time 5:45AM EST
- Location Winter Haven, Florida
- Price Free - $49.54
- Races 7 races
- Distances 10km, 5km, Sprint
Event summary
Get ready for a festive and fun-filled day at the Santa's Run Fest, taking place on Saturday, December 19, 2026, in the beautiful city of Winter Haven, Polk County! This exciting event invites runners of all ages to participate in a thrilling day of racing, with options to tackle a 15K, 10K, or 5K. Plus, don't forget to register the little ones for the delightful Kid Dashes! The courses will take you along the scenic Chain of Lakes Trail, providing a picturesque backdrop of gentle rises that promise an enjoyable challenge for both seasoned athletes and casual runners alike.
Join the local community as we celebrate the spirit of giving and camaraderie at this incredible event, which also features team competitions for the Largest and Fastest Teams in various categories. Each participant will receive a custom shirt, bib, and a finisher medal to commemorate their achievement. With early race packet pickup on December 18 and race day festivities beginning at 6:00 AM on December 19, the Santa's Run Fest is set to be a heartwarming experience for everyone involved. Don’t miss out on this chance to run for a great cause and create lasting memories in Winter Haven!
Join the local community as we celebrate the spirit of giving and camaraderie at this incredible event, which also features team competitions for the Largest and Fastest Teams in various categories. Each participant will receive a custom shirt, bib, and a finisher medal to commemorate their achievement. With early race packet pickup on December 18 and race day festivities beginning at 6:00 AM on December 19, the Santa's Run Fest is set to be a heartwarming experience for everyone involved. Don’t miss out on this chance to run for a great cause and create lasting memories in Winter Haven!
Organiser's Description
Winter Haven Optimist Club proudly presents the Santa's Run Fest - A Run for Our Kids. Choose a 15k, 10k or 5k and sign the kids up for the Kid Dashes!
Winter Haven is a beautiful city of approximately 49,000 friendly folks. As the Chamber of Commerce mentions, "To some we're the perfect haven from the harsh winter months up North, and to others we are the opportunity to be involved in a town with over 55 lakes to enjoy with fantastic sunrises and sunsets over the water" ...AND an absolutely superb terrain for running.
This years 15k, 10k and 5k Course will run an out and back course on the Chain of Lakes Trail in Winter Haven (to Lake Alfred for the 15K). The courses include gentle rises, enough to cause pressure for the advanced competitors but not so much to frustrate the average person.
Runners will receive a custom shirt (Shirts and sizes will be available while supplies last), a custom bib, and a finisher medal when you cross the line on race day!
Runners may optionally create and join teams to compete for the Largest team and to compete against each other in the 5k race for the Fastest team in one of three categories: 1. Family Team; 2. Corporate Team; 3. Social/Church/School Team
There are 2 trophies in each category: Largest Team (by number of runners who compete) and Fastest Team (by the top 3 finishing times on the team - 5K only).
_EARLY RACE PACKET PICKUP - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2026_
> 4:00-7:00 pm - In The Breezeway of The Winter Haven Chamber Of Commerce Building - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
_DAY OF RACE - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2026_
> _START LOCATION! _Next To The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Building on 4th Street NW & Ave B NW - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
> 6:00 am - Race Packet Pickup and Day of race registration
> 7:00 am - 15k Start
> 7:15 am - 10k Start
> 7:30 am - 5k Start
> 8:30 am - Awards Ceremony for the 5K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)
> 8:45 am - Awards Ceremony for the 10K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)
> 9:15 am - Awards Ceremony for the 15K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)
> 9:00-9:15 am - Approx. start for the Kids' Sprints
Winter Haven is a beautiful city of approximately 49,000 friendly folks. As the Chamber of Commerce mentions, "To some we're the perfect haven from the harsh winter months up North, and to others we are the opportunity to be involved in a town with over 55 lakes to enjoy with fantastic sunrises and sunsets over the water" ...AND an absolutely superb terrain for running.
This years 15k, 10k and 5k Course will run an out and back course on the Chain of Lakes Trail in Winter Haven (to Lake Alfred for the 15K). The courses include gentle rises, enough to cause pressure for the advanced competitors but not so much to frustrate the average person.
Runners will receive a custom shirt (Shirts and sizes will be available while supplies last), a custom bib, and a finisher medal when you cross the line on race day!
Runners may optionally create and join teams to compete for the Largest team and to compete against each other in the 5k race for the Fastest team in one of three categories: 1. Family Team; 2. Corporate Team; 3. Social/Church/School Team
There are 2 trophies in each category: Largest Team (by number of runners who compete) and Fastest Team (by the top 3 finishing times on the team - 5K only).
_EARLY RACE PACKET PICKUP - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2026_
> 4:00-7:00 pm - In The Breezeway of The Winter Haven Chamber Of Commerce Building - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
_DAY OF RACE - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2026_
> _START LOCATION! _Next To The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Building on 4th Street NW & Ave B NW - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
> 6:00 am - Race Packet Pickup and Day of race registration
> 7:00 am - 15k Start
> 7:15 am - 10k Start
> 7:30 am - 5k Start
> 8:30 am - Awards Ceremony for the 5K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)
> 8:45 am - Awards Ceremony for the 10K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)
> 9:15 am - Awards Ceremony for the 15K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)
> 9:00-9:15 am - Approx. start for the Kids' Sprints
Races
-
15k Run - Adults
Incl. $4.54 Fee & Dri-Fit Adult Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (7:00AM EST)
$49.54
OPENS 04 JUL -
10k Run - Adults
Incl. $4.20 Fee & Dri-Fit Adult Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (7:15AM EST)
$44.20
OPENS 04 JUL -
10K Run - Students
Incl. $3.53 Fee & Dri-Fit Adult Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (7:15AM EST)
$33.53
OPENS 04 JUL -
5k Run - Adults
Incl. $3.86 Fee & Dri-Fit Adult Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (7:30AM EST)
$38.86
OPENS 04 JUL -
5K Run - Students
Incl. $3.19 Fee & Dri-Fit Adult Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (7:30AM EST)
$28.19
OPENS 04 JUL -
Kids' Sprints (Kids 10 & Under)
Incl. $2.18 Fee & Youth Sizes Cotton T-Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (9:00AM EST)
$12.18
OPENS 04 JULThere will be several races for the Kids 10 years and younger and will be broken down by age groups. -
Volunteer
Sat 19th December 2026 (5:45AM EST)
Free
OPENS 04 JULPlease consider volunteering if you are not able to run!
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401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, 33881, FL, United States
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Santa's Run Fest
