Modesto Spirit of Giving 5K Run/Walk
Participants run or walk a scenic course passing the McHenry Mansion and looping through Graceada and Enslen Parks, with many dressing in festive holiday outfits like Santa, elf, or Grinch costumes. Children can join the untimed fun run to help Santa give the Grinch a heart and take photos with both characters. Attendees can also donate canned food to support the local mission and earn raffle tickets.
What to Expect
Holiday run benefiting Modesto Gospel Mission and youth recreation programs.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department
Food & Drink
Local businesses will be open for an after-run meal and beverage; bring ID and a debit card.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, casual walkers, and holiday-costume runners
Vibe
Festive and community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Accessibility: Participants are encouraged to run, walk, or roll through the course.
Tips & Advice
- Collect your bib early on Friday, December 11, at the ShadowChase Running Club office on 11th Street, or pick it up on race morning before the start.
- Bring up to 10 canned or non-perishable food items, since each one earns a raffle ticket and ten or more enters you for the Mystery Grand Prize.
- Bring your ID and a debit card, because local businesses will be open for an after-run meal and drink.
- Make sure your team has at least 10 adults signed up by December 1, or the group discount is lost and everyone pays the full entry fee.
- Have kids bring a canned food item to the fun run so they get a ticket for the free kids' bike drawing.
Special Events & Promotions
- Kids Free Fun Run after the 5K, with medals for kids 10 and under and free photos with Santa and the Grinch.
- Kids who bring a canned food item to the fun run get a ticket for a free kids' bike drawing, with one boy and one girl winner.
- Canned food raffle: one ticket per item, up to 10. Ten or more cans enters you for the Mystery Grand Prize.
- Donating canned food also gets you a free movie at Brenden Theatres.
- Groups of 10 or more adults get a discount on each member's entry fee.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids take part?
Yes. The free Kids Fun Run, nicknamed 'Help Santa give the Grinch a Heart', isn't timed. All kids 10 and under get a medal, and there are free photos with Santa and the Grinch.
Where do I pick up my bib?
Early pickup is at the ShadowChase Running Club office, 1325 11th Street, on Friday, December 11. You can also pick it up on race morning before the start.
How does the canned food drive work?
Each canned or non-perishable item earns one raffle ticket, up to 10 per person. Ten or more cans enters you for the Mystery Grand Prize. Donating food also gets you a free movie at Brenden Theatres, and everything goes to the Modesto Gospel Mission pantry.
Should I dress up?
Go for it. Jingle bells, Santa outfits, elf or Grinch costumes all fit. Groups are encouraged to run as a team of Santas, elves or Grinches.
What is the course like?
It passes the McHenry Mansion and loops around Graceada Park and Enslen Park. With few turns, it suits runners chasing a personal record.
More Christmas Events Near Modesto
More Christmas Events near Modesto
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