Reindeer Run

🎄 About the Reindeer Run

• The Reindeer Run is a holiday tradition in Lakewood, Ohio 🎅, including a 5K road race, Merry Mile (1 mile walk) and b.a. Sweetie Dasher Dash (quarter-mile race 🦌).

• This year, the Reindeer Run celebrates it's 27th year running on Sunday, December 13, 2026 at Lakewood Park!

❤️ Who does this event benefit?

• This year's Reindeer Run benefits Love Doesn't Shove 💕.

• More information can be found HERE

   

🎟️ Registration Information

• Online registration opens July 1 and closes 30 minutes before the start on race morning on December 13. 

• Participants can register online at ReindeerRunCleveland.com

• Those paying by  check can mail this paper entry form HERE with payment to Hermes Sports & Events (2425 W. 11th St. Suite 2. Cleveland, OH 44113).

• Payments must be received by Wednesday, December 10. 

• Participants can also pay by cash or check and bring payment to one of the early packet pickups.

• A confirmation email will be sent once payment is received.

2025 Fees

• 💰 5K - Early Bird (July 1 - Dec 1) – $35

• 💰 5K - Late Rate (Dec 2 - Race Day) – $40

• 👦 5K - Kids (10 & under) – $25

• 🦌 Dasher Dash ( 8 & under) – $10

• Save $5 by selecting "no-shirt" at check-out

Refer and Save $

• This race is offering up to a $30 refund on your registration just by referring your friends to participate! After you register, you will receive a custom referral rewards link in your email; this should be shared with friends on social media, email or text! 

• For every 3 participants to register using your personalized shareable referral code, you will receive $10 back on your original form of payment - maximum 9 referrals!

• Additional Details at https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000063164-become-a-referrer

What's Included

• A Chip Timed 5K w/ Live Results

• A Reindeer Run Swag Apparel Item 

• A Reindeer Run Finisher Medal Ornament to display on your holiday tree!

• Searchable Race Photographs with Santa & Dasher

• Music, Food and Refreshments

• Overall and Age Group Awards

• Optional novelty swag for purchase including beanies and race shirts!

• Access to Event Sponsors

• The Opportunity to Support local Lakewood Charities During the Holiday Season!

• Dasher Dash Kiddos Receive a Race Bib , Goody Bag (at finish) and the Option of Santa Hat or Reindeer Antlers!

📦 Packet Pick-Up Information

• Early pickup dates & locations listed HERE later in the year!

• Participants can pick up for others, but should have their confirmation email handy just to be safe.

• If picking up for 5 or more, email roadracing@hermescleveland.com with your list and we will pre-pack for a speedier checkout

• Race Day pickup is available, but participants should plan to arrive early, as lines may be long!

   

🚗 Race Day Logistics & Information

• 🅿️ Where can I park on race morning?

  • Parking is available in and around Lakewood Park.

  • Address: 14532 Lake Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107

  • Those arriving late may need to park along nearby streets

• 📅 When does each event begin?

  • 🗓Sunday, December 13, 2026

  • 🦌 Dasher Dash – 8:45 AM

  • 🏃‍♂️ 5K Run – 9:00 AM

• 📍 Where does the race begin?

  • Lakewood Park (14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107)

• 🕖 When does race day registration/packet pickup begin?

  • 7:30 AM

  • Those who did not pick up their race packet at an early packet pickup should plan to arrive before 8:00 am 

🏅Timing, Results & Awards

⏱️ How is this race timed?

• The race is officially timed using a disposable Bib tag timing system with state-of-the-art Mylaps timing mats. 

Bibs and Timing Tags?

• All registered participants will receive a race bib number with a timing tag stuck to the back. Please do not alter the bib in any way.

• The race bib must be visible and worn on the front, outermost layer of clothing the entire race. BibTag Timing chips will be adhered in any way. 

• Bib numbers and tags are non-transferrable and must be worn by the registrants whom they have been assigned. 

📊 Where can I see my results?

• Results are posted LIVE on the Reindeer Run website.

• Scannable QR codes are displayed all around the finish line area for quick access with your phone!

❌ What if my results are incorrect or missing?

• Contact 📧 roadracing@hermescleveland.com after results are officially posted.

• If you did not wear a bib during the race, you will not receive a result.

🏆 Awards Categories?

• 🥇🥈🥉 Top 3 overall male & female finishers in the 5K

  • Top Overall finishers are based on Gun Time.

  •  If you believe you will be a top finisher, please position yourself to start at the front of the race!

• 🏅 Top 3 finishers (male & female) in these age groups:

  • 👦 10 & under | 🏃 11-14 | 🏃 15-19 | 🏃 20-24 | ... (up to 80+)

  • Age Group Awards are based on Chip Time

• 🏅 The Jess Bell Senior Division Awards (for top male and female finishers 60+)

• Awards are passed out at the same location as registration - please come to the Awards table to claim your award race morning!

📬 I couldn’t pick up my award—how can I get it?

• 🏢 Pick up at the Hermes Office (2425 West 11th St. Cleveland, OH - call or email us before you plan to stop out 216-623-9933)

• 🏃‍♂️ Have it sent to your next Hermes race (email 📧 roadracing@hermescleveland.com)

• 🚫 No mailing of awards – Awards can be claimed for up to 30 days after the race.

🔄 Refunds & Transfers

• 💵 Can I get a refund or transfer to another person?

  • 🚫 No refunds – all entries are non-refundable & non-transferable to future races.

  • ✅ You can transfer your entry to another person for free before packet pickup!

  • 🔁 How do I transfer my registration?

    • 1️⃣ Log into RunSignUp and choose "Gift Transfer"

    • 2️⃣ Enter the new runner's name & email 📧

    • 3️⃣ Once they register, your entry is removed

    • More info 👉 How-To Transfer

👕 If I can’t attend, can I still get my t-shirt and packet?

• Yes! Pick up at our office the following week or at packet pickup📍 (Call 216-623-9933 or email roadracing@hermescleveland.com before coming in).

• We do not mail packets after the event. 

 
 Miscellaneous

🙋 Can I volunteer?

• Yes! volunteer opportunities will be listed on the race website after registration opens in July.

• Volunteers are asked to help with race day check-in from 7:00am-9:00am and a race shirt is provided!

🚶 Do I have to run, or can I walk?

• Walking is welcome, but police may ask late walkers to move to the sidewalk after 10am (1 hour after the Start).

• Walkers must line up at the back of the race start line!

🌡️ What is the weather like?

• Cleveland, Ohio weather is unpredictable! ❄️ One year it was in the teens with snow, another year it was 50s & sunny ☀️. In general expect brisk temps in the 30's!

🎒 What should I bring?

• 📧 Registration confirmation (if picking up packet)

• 🎟️ Race bib (if you already picked up at early packet pickup)

📈 How is the course—are there hills?

• No! Flat & fast – perfect for a 5K PR! 

🎒 Is there a bag check?

• No bag check ❌ unless you're a Road Race Series member.

• Runners who arrive early have access to parking at Lakewood Park, right near the start line & are able place belongings in their vehicles, as needed.

🐶👶 Can I bring my dog or stroller?

• Of course! But for safety, please start at the back of the pack. No exceptions!

• All participants will receive a chip timed 5K which does not activate until they officially cross the starting line - no rush!

📩 Will I get race updates?

• Yes! We’ll send packet pickup reminders before race week.

• For more specific questions, check the Reindeer Run page, email us at roadracing@hermescleveland.com, or call us at 216-623-9933 📞.

• Find the Facebook Event on our Facebook Page at HermesRoadRacing