From the Organizer
The Santa Run 5k is coming to town! Join us on Saturday, December 12 at 10:00 AM for this annual Christmas classic.
Whether you are jolly jogging, Santa sprinting, winter wonderland walking or reindeer rolling, this family-friendly event is open to all ages and abilities.
All registrants receive a full Santa suit (complete with a beard) to wear during the race and keep, as well as a $10 gift certificate to Fleet Feet Des Moines as our gift to you!
In the true spirit of the season, $10 of your registration goes to one of five local nonprofits you choose! This year, the Santa Run 5k is supporting Team Run Free, Living History Farms, Girls on the Run, Children's Cancer Connection, Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa.
Enjoy delicious hot chocolate at the finish line. Then, head over to SingleSpeed Brewing Co. for the Christmas party of the year!
Guarantee your spot on the Nice List, and sign up today!
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
37°
Typical Low
21°
Chance of Rain
25%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Des Moines Intl Ap, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Des Moines, IA
City Elevation
929 ft
Nearest Airport
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 9 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
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Santa Run 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Des Moines, IA
Run, Walk, and Roll: Women of the ELCA 5K for Raising up Healthy Women and Girls
5K · From $45 · Principal River Walk
Less than a mile away
Single Speed Beer Mile- Des Moines
1 Mile · From $30 · 303 Scott Ave
Less than a mile away
Midwest Greater Des Moines Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
1 Mile · 5K · 10K · Half Marathon · From $20 · 420 Court Ave
Less than a mile away
IMT Des Moines Marathon
1 Mile · 5K · 10K · Half Marathon · Marathon · From $37 · 400 Court Ave
Less than a 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 Santa Run 5k?
- Santa Run 5k is a running race held in Des Moines, Iowa 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 Santa Run 5k?
- Saturday, December 12, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa at 521 E Locust Street. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Santa Run 5k?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Santa Run 5k
Dec 12, 2026