Santa Runs Palm Springs
Participants run, walk, or stroll a 3.1-mile route through the scenic Las Palmas neighborhood, with each registered entrant receiving a full Santa suit to wear and keep. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome on the course, and children can join in the 200-meter Elf Dash. Finishers receive a medal along with milk and cookies at the finish line.
What to Expect
Participants receive and run in a full Santa suit to keep.
Event Details
Duration
The 5K has a cutoff of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Ray Endurance Events
Food & Drink
Milk and cookies are provided to all registered participants.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, casual runners, and dog owners
Vibe
Festive, active, community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 5K: $35 through August 31; $40 September 1–30; $45 October 1–31; $49 November 1–30; $54 December 1–Race Day. The page also displays $49.70 including a $4.70 fee and says the price increases after October 31, 2026 at 11:59pm PDT. Race-morning late registration is $54. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5K starts at 8:30AM PST. Race-day packet pickup starts at 7:15am; the awards ceremony is at 10:00am. Additional packet pickup is Friday, December 18th from 11AM - 4PM.
- Parking: Free parking is available on streets east of the venue and in a public lot on Alejo just west of Palm Canyon.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome; they must be leashed and owners must clean up after them.
Tips & Advice
- Leave your bags at home or in the car, because there is no bag check at this race.
- Pick up your packet on Friday at the Ruth Hardy Park parking lot or at the start on race morning, because no race items or awards are mailed.
- If you can't make it, send a friend with a copy of your ID to collect your race items and awards for you.
- If you're pushing a stroller, line up at the back of the start, because strollers are not allowed to start at the front.
- Register early, because the 5K entry fee goes up every month from September through race day.
Special Events & Promotions
- Finish both the Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot 5K on November 26, 2026 and Santa Runs Palm Springs to earn a special medal.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I get when I register for the 5K?
Every registered runner gets a full Santa suit to wear during the race and keep. You also get a finisher medal, chip timing, a free downloadable finisher certificate, and milk and cookies at the finish.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs need to stay on a leash, and you need to clean up after them. There are even awards for the top 3 strollers and dogs.
Can I run with a stroller?
Yes, but strollers must line up at the back of the start for safety. They can't start at the front.
Is there something for kids?
Yes. Kids can do the 200-meter Elf Dash, which has its own registration. Kids get a custom medal and a Santa hat.
Is there a time limit?
The 5K has a cutoff of 1 hour and 45 minutes, so you can run, walk or stroll it.
More Christmas Events Near Palm Springs
More Christmas Events near Palm Springs
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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