2026 Gingerbread Run
Participants can run or walk a holiday-themed course through downtown Belleville, while young runners take part in the one-mile Ginger Loop. Post-race festivities at the finish line feature an awards ceremony, live music from a local band, bounce houses, and a coffee and hot cocoa truck. All racers receive a gingerbread cookie, a long-sleeve event shirt, and finish-line photos.
What to Expect
Holiday 5K run and kids' fun loop with gingerbread cookies.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (Kids Loop for ages 3-12)
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Belleville Parks & Recreation
Food & Drink
A coffee and hot cocoa truck is on site, and registered 5K and Ginger Loop participants receive a gingerbread cookie.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children and casual runners
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 5K Run/Walk: $25.00 for online early bird registration during July, including a special Gingerbread 5K scarf; $30.00 for online registration August–November; $35.00 during race week, November 30–December 5. Kids Ginger Loop 1-Mile Fun Run for ages 3–12: $25.00. All registered participants receive a long-sleeve event T-shirt; a shirt and size are guaranteed if registered by November 4. Sweatshirts must be ordered by November 4. – Get tickets
- Hours: Kids Ginger Loop 1-Mile Fun Run: 8:00 a.m.; 5K Run/Walk: 8:30 a.m.
Tips & Advice
- Register by November 4 to guarantee your long-sleeve shirt and size, since registrations after that date are not guaranteed either one.
- Sign up before race week, because the registration fee goes up from November 30 through race day.
- Pick up your packet on December 2, 3 or 4 at the Parks Department so race morning is less rushed; Thursday has extended hours.
- Plan to stay after you finish for the awards ceremony, the local band, the hot cocoa truck and the bounce houses for kids.
- Dress in warm layers for an early December morning outdoors, both for the race and for the festivities at the finish line afterward.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the whole event, start to finish, takes place at 510 W. Main Street.
- Sweatshirts and 2026 Gingerbread Run gear are sold separately and must be ordered by November 4.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take part in the Gingerbread Run?
Runners and walkers of all ages can do the 5K Run/Walk through downtown Belleville. Kids ages 3 to 12 can run the Ginger Loop, a 1-mile fun run just for them.
What do participants get?
Everyone in both the 5K and the Ginger Loop gets a long-sleeve event T-shirt, finish-line photos and a gingerbread cookie. Sam the Gingerbread Man is there to cheer on the Ginger Loop kids.
What happens after the race?
Stay at the finish line for the awards ceremony, live music from a local band, a coffee and hot cocoa truck, and bounce houses for the kids.
Where do I pick up my race packet?
Packet pickup is at the Belleville Parks Department at 510 W. Main Street on December 2, 3 and 4. Thursday has extended hours. Final packet pickup and day-of registration open there on race morning.
How can I volunteer?
Sign up through the Volunteer page. Volunteers get a Gingerbread Run long-sleeve T-shirt, breakfast and refreshments. Shirts and sizes are guaranteed for volunteers who register by November 4.
More Christmas Events Near Belleville
More Christmas Events near Belleville
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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