Santa's Run Fest
- Date
- December 19, 2026
- Distance
- 5K · 10K · 15K · Other
- Price
- $10–$45
From the Organizer
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
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
75°
Typical Low
54°
Chance of Rain
25%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Winter Haven, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Winter Haven, FL
Population
52,846
as of 2023
City Elevation
125 ft
Nearest Airport
LAL
Lakeland Linder International Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
MCO
Orlando International Airport · 38 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Santa's Run Fest, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Winter Haven, FL
Port 27 Father's Day 5k/ 1 year Anniversary
5K · From $45 · 30928 US-27
6 miles away
Leading Edge Take Heart 10K/5K
5K · 10K · 15K · From $12 · 121 South Lake Avenue
13 miles away
Badge of Hope Haunted 5K
1 Mile · 5K · From $15 · 361 Denton Ave
7 miles away
Warriors For Wellness 5k
5K · From $30 · 999 Ave H NE
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 Santa's Run Fest?
- Santa's Run Fest is a running race held in Winter Haven, Florida on December 19, 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's Run Fest?
- Saturday, December 19, 2026 in Winter Haven, Florida at 401 Avenue B NW. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Santa's Run Fest?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Santa's Run Fest
Dec 19, 2026