
From the Organizer
Get in the holiday spirit with the most festive 5K of all! Winding through the beautiful pine tree acreage of Walnut Ridge Tree Farm, you'll be filled with the Christmas spirit as you embark on a 5K journey through glimmering lights and the beauty of the season. Participant's families and friends can come spectate while enjoying the fun atmosphere, enjoying fresh hot cocoa and the merriment of the Christmas season.
The 1K race is primarily geared towards children and walkers who may prefer a shorter distance than the 5K. Both races will begin together, and the 1K participants will split off and turn left around a pine tree field while the 5K participants continue straight.
Both races will begin at 4:00pm in two waves about 1 minute apart, with the Pine K splitting off to the western pine grove quickly after the start while the 5K will continue straight to the northern pine groves. View the race routes here (tabs on left for each race) - Festive Pines Race Routes
A portion of the proceeds from this race, and any online or on-site donations will be given to Helping Hand in Indianola which provides essential needs and resources such as food, clothing, household items, personal care products, and basic human needs.
Packet Pickup Information:
Friday 12/18 from 3:00-5:30 at Fitness Sports - Clive (8810 Swanson Blvd, Clive, IA 50325)
Saturday 12/19 from 2:30-3:30 at Walnut Ridge Farm (race location)
Post-Race Palooza & Awards:
Santa will be onsite for photos from 3:00-5:30. Outdoor photo-ops will be behind the barn, indoor photo-ops will be in the barn.
The post-race palooza will be in the barn (same location as packet pickup) with indoor photo-ops plus delicious coffee & cocoa donated by Crimson Anchor Coffee Roasters and cookies donated by Hy-Vee
Select Physical Therapy will be on-site to provide pre- and post-race therapy, stretching, and goodies
All participants will receive a race-branded stocking cap (5K) or ear warmer (1K) and a handmade Christmas ornament!
Shirts and finisher ornaments are only guaranteed if you register by December 1st!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
36°
Typical Low
16°
Chance of Rain
18%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Indianola 2w, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
877 ft
Nearest Airport
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 16 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Festive Pines 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
The Des Moines Donut Mile
22 miles away
Pleasantville Firecracker Sunset Run
17 miles away
Wild Boar Challenge
12 miles away
17th Annual Iowa Remembrance Run
20 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Festive Pines 5K
Dec 19, 2026