From the Organizer
Madison’s favorite Christmas tradition is here, and it’s as easy as 1-2-3… well, 4!
STEP #1: Choose your character – will you run or walk as a Santa, Elf, or Penguin?
STEP #2: Grab your costume! We’ve got you covered with character shirts, hats, and accessories.
STEP #3: Run or walk the 5K while soaking up all the festive holiday fun!
STEP #4: Celebrate at the North Pole Post-Race Party!
Though this is an untimed event, the first 25 runners to beat the Grinch will score a FREE slice of Ian’s Pizza!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
34°
Typical Low
19°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Uw Arboretum - Madison, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Madison, WI
Population
275,568
as of 2023
City Elevation
871 ft
Nearest Airport
MSN
Dane County Regional Truax Field · 6 mi
Major Hub
MKE
General Mitchell International Airport · 77 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run Santa Run 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Madison, WI
Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon
5K · Half Marathon · Other · From $20 · Memorial Union Terrace
Less than a mile away
Strides for Africa
5K · From $30 · 202 South Ingersoll Street
2 miles away
Hustle for Habitat 5K
5K · From $15 · 801 Walnut St, Madison, WI 53726
1 mile away
HENRY VILAS ZOO - RUN WILD 2026
1 Mile · 5K · 10K · From $30 · 702 S. Randall Ave
1 mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
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)
- What is the Run Santa Run 5K?
- Run Santa Run 5K is a running race held in Madison, Wisconsin on December 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Run Santa Run 5K?
- Saturday, December 12, 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin at 825 State Street. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Run Santa Run 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Run Santa Run 5K
Dec 12, 2026