San Diego Santa Run
Participants don Sunny Santa suits and sunglasses to run or walk through the streets of Pacific Beach in festive 5K waves. Younger runners can take part in a dedicated kids mile, while pets join the fun in a separate dog mile. Afterward, participants celebrate with complimentary drinks at partner beachside venues.
What to Expect
A festive sea of Santas running through Pacific Beach.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Pacific Beach
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
San Diego Running Co.
Food & Drink
Participants receive a complimentary drink ticket redeemable at partner venues; redemption requires age 21 or older and ID, while Filippi’s Pizza Grotto offers non-alcoholic options only.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, runners, walkers, and dog owners
Vibe
Festive and energetic
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Santa Run 5K: $54.99; Kids Mile: $39.99; Dog Mile: $39.99. Displayed registration prices include all fees. Optional merchandise: Santa Run T-shirt $28.99; Santa Run Beanie $19.99; “I Ran With Him!” Socks $14.99. Mail My Packet costs $17.50; race-morning packet pickup has a $5 convenience fee. Participants receive a complimentary drink ticket; redemption requires being 21 or older with ID. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5K: 8:00am and 10:00am; Kids 1 Mile: 11:30am; Dog 1 Mile: 12:00pm.
- Parking: Parking is street parking in Pacific Beach. Race-day parking restrictions and road closures are listed for December 12.
- Accessibility: Strollers are welcome in all race waves, and decorated strollers are encouraged.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed in the 5K. Dogs can participate in the Dog 1 Mile, which is dedicated to participants’ dogs.
Tips & Advice
- Register early for the Dog 1 Mile, because that wave is capped at 125 spots and sells out quickly.
- Pick up your packet at one of the pickup days before the race, because picking up on race morning adds a convenience fee.
- Bring your ID on race day, because the drink ticket on your bib only works for participants who are 21 or older.
- If you're collecting a friend's packet, bring their confirmation QR code or a photo of their ID on your phone, or you can't pick it up.
- Sign up for the earlier 5K wave if you want to compete for age group awards, since the later wave is chip timed but has no awards.
Special Events & Promotions
- New: the 5K now has two start waves, and age group awards go only to the earlier wave.
- Show your bib on race day for deals at The Duck Dive, PB AleHouse and Molly's, plus a special brunch menu at Filippi's Pizza Grotto.
- Ocean Park Inn gives Santa Run participants 20% off stays during race week with code SANTARUN26.
- Participants who join the Road Runner Sports VIP program get 20% off during packet pickup hours.
- Extra merchandise is sold separately for pickup during race week, including a Santa Run T-shirt, a beanie and "I Ran With Him!" socks.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs aren't allowed in the 5K. They have their own Dog 1 Mile, Santa's Little Helper wave, which is limited to 125 spots and sells out quickly. Dogs get a bib, T-shirt, Santa hat and sunglasses, and there's no chip timing in that wave.
Can kids take part?
Yes. The Santa's Elves Kids 1 Mile is for kids 12 and under and starts after the 5K. Parents and guardians can run with their child. Kids get a bib, T-shirt, Santa hat, sunglasses, a chip-timed result and a finisher medal.
Can I walk the 5K or push a stroller?
Walkers are welcome. You're asked to keep a 20-minute-per-mile pace so the later waves stay on schedule. Strollers are welcome in every wave, and decorated strollers are encouraged.
What do 5K runners get?
5K runners get a Sunny Santa Suit, Santa Run sunglasses, chip timing, a custom bib and a complimentary drink ticket. The suit comes in two sizes: Small, for adult small and smaller, and Standard, for adult medium to XXL.
Where do I use my drink ticket?
The ticket is attached to your bib. You can use it at Mavericks Beach Club, Tavern on the Beach, 710 Beach Club or Bar Ella if you're 21 or older and have ID. Filippi's Pizza Grotto takes it for non-alcoholic drinks.
More Christmas Events Near San Diego
More Christmas Events near San Diego
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