Holiday Half Marathon, 15K, 10K & 5K
Participants run or walk along scenic Portland routes offering views of the Willamette River, St. Johns Bridge, and downtown. Along the course, participants encounter holiday music stations, caroling groups, and gingerbread cookie stops. The finish line hosts an outdoor celebration complete with costume contests, food trucks, craft beer, hot chocolate, and a DJ.
What to Expect
Features carolers, costume contests, and on-course gingerbread cookie stations.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Swan Island
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Foot Traffic
Food & Drink
On-course gingerbread cookies and free finish-line snacks and hot chocolate are offered, alongside food trucks and a complimentary brew; food-truck purchases cost extra.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Active families and holiday-loving runners
Vibe
Festive and energetic
Energy Level
High
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Half $98; 15K $95; 10K $74; 5K $57; Virtual $52. Race-day bib pickup costs $10 cash. Group, team, business, or other registrations of 8 or more can get 10% off; teams of 20 or more have a VIP tent area. Virtual registration includes a tech long-sleeve shirt, Freddi the Yeti medal, a custom bib with name if registered before November 10th, and virtual results. – Get tickets
- Hours: Half/15K Wave Zone 1: 7:35 AM; Half/15K/10K Wave Zones 2–7: 8:00 AM, 8:01 AM, 8:02 AM, 8:03 AM, 8:04 AM, 8:05 AM; kids dash: 8:10 AM; 5K Wave Zones 1–4: 8:40 AM, 8:41AM, 8:42 AM, 8:43 AM, 8:44 AM. Course closes fully at 11:30am. Virtual race: anytime during the stated virtual date range.
- Parking: Parking is available in lots around the Daimler campus, with staff directing drivers. The page encourages early arrival and recommends arriving 45–60 minutes before race time. It also suggests public transit, biking, or legal parking in the Overlook Neighborhood.
- Accessibility: Strollers are allowed in all races; leave room for others to pass.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed at the venue.
Tips & Advice
- Register before the October 16 price bump, and sign up before November 10 if you're running virtually and want your name on a custom bib.
- Pick up your bib at a Foot Traffic store during the week before the race, since race-morning pickup costs an extra cash fee.
- Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before your wave so you have time to park, check your bag and get to the start line.
- If you're starting in the Half or 15K Wave Zone 1, you must wear blinking lights and reflective gear.
- Bring a wallet or card for the food trucks at the finish, where the hot chocolate, snacks and a Crux Brewery beer are free.
Special Events & Promotions
- New for 2026: every finisher gets a Freddi Christmas tree costume medal
- Groups of 8 or more get 10% off registration with a team code (distances can be mixed)
- Teams of 20 or more get a separate heated VIP tent area with its own beer line and bag check, plus a bonus prize
- Virtual option: run any distance on your own anytime through December 25 and get the shirt, medal and results
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's waiting at the finish line?
There's a beer garden with a complimentary brew from Crux Brewery and free hot chocolate and snacks. Food trucks are there too, so bring a wallet or card. A DJ plays holiday music, and there are costume contests, photo ops, vendors, raffle prizes and door prizes.
How do I get to Swan Island without driving?
There's a MAX stop just up the hill, and Bus #72 stops right in front of the venue. There are also plenty of bike racks, and organizers ask people to carpool when they can.
Can kids take part?
Yes, there's a kids dash. Kids expected to run slower than a 30-minute mile must have an adult with them on the course.
Can I run with headphones?
No. USATF insurance requirements mean in-ear headphones aren't allowed.
How can I volunteer?
Email info@foottraffic.us. Volunteering on a bib pickup day or on race morning earns you a comp race credit for next year. Schools, teams and clubs can also earn money by helping with course cheering, the finish area, bag check or parking.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.