PAL Holiday Run
Participants take to the course for a 5K, 10K, or untimed 1.2-mile family walk and run starting and finishing at City Hall. Before the race, runners can warm up with pre-race stretching led by a local fitness team. Attendees can also explore a Holiday Village featuring local vendors and stop by to visit Santa Claus.
What to Expect
Charity 5K, 10K, and family walk supporting local youth programs.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Rancho Cordova Police Activities League (PAL)
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and community-minded runners
Vibe
Festive, active, community-minded
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 1.2 mile Family Walk/Run (Untimed): $23.39 through Nov 29; $28.74 Nov 30–Dec 12. 5K Adult and 10K Adult: $39.44 through Nov 29; $44.79 Nov 30–Dec 12. 5K Youth and 10K Youth (17 and under): $23.39 through Nov 29; $28.74 Nov 30–Dec 12. – Get tickets
- Hours: Holiday Run starts at 8:30am. Packet pick-up: December 11, 2026, 10 AM – 7 PM; same-day pickup begins at 7:30am.
- Parking: Parking will be available across from City Hall. Visitors are asked to plan ahead and allow extra time to park and reach the event.
- Accessibility: An adaptive athlete start is available for wheelchair and handcycle participants.
Tips & Advice
- Pick up your packet at City Hall on Friday, December 11 instead of race morning, so you can skip the lines at same-day pickup.
- Register early, because only the first 300 registrants get a Santa hat, and late registrants may not get their shirt or medal until after the new year.
- Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Christmas in Cordova Toy Drive, which PAL collects for young people in the community.
- Allow extra time to park across from City Hall and make your way to the start/finish line in front of the building.
- Don't rush off after you finish, because the Holiday Village has local vendors, goodies and a chance to visit Santa.
Special Events & Promotions
- Christmas in Cordova Toy Drive: bring an unwrapped toy to donate for local youth.
- The first 300 registrants get a Santa hat.
- Chief Hampton and Mayor Gatewood welcome runners at the start line.
- Lower registration fees for anyone who signs up by November 29.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What distances can I choose?
There's an untimed 1.2-mile Family Walk/Run, plus 5K and 10K races. The 5K and 10K each have adult and youth (17 and under) categories.
What do racers receive?
Racers get a Sport-Tek long-sleeve shirt and a commemorative medal, and the first 300 registrants also get a Santa hat. If you register after December 4, your shirt or medal isn't guaranteed until after the new year.
Where do I pick up my race packet?
Pick it up at Rancho Cordova City Hall on the Friday before the race. Same-day pickup is also available on race morning, and you can collect a packet for a friend or family member.
Is there anything to do besides the race?
Yes. The Holiday Village has local vendors and sponsors, and Santa Claus will be there to visit.
Can wheelchair users take part?
Yes. Wheelchair and handcycle participants get their own adaptive athlete start just before the main race.
More Christmas Events Near Rancho Cordova
More Christmas Events near Rancho Cordova
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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