Worcester Jingle 5K and Kids Run
Participants celebrate the holiday season with a run or walk along a flat, fast route through Downtown Worcester. Children ages 12 and under can join in the approximately half-mile kids run, with parents welcome to run alongside them. The event also hosts a toy collection drive benefiting the Planting the Seed Foundation.
What to Expect
Holiday 5K run and walk featuring a kids elves dash
Event Details
Ages
All ages (Kids Run for 12 and under)
Neighborhood
Downtown Worcester
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Run Rhody
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, local runners, and walkers
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Worcester Jingle 5K and virtual 5K: $36 through 10/31/2026; $38 from 11/1/2026 to 12/06/2026; $45 race-weekend walk-up registration and $45 on race day. Online registration closes at 8 p.m. on 12/05/2026. T-shirts are not guaranteed for walk-up registrations. No refunds. The Kids Elves Run is a separate session and its fee is not included here. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5K: 10:00am; Kids Run (separate session): 9:30am.
- Accessibility: Strollers are welcome but must start at the back for safety.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed.
Tips & Advice
- Register online before registration closes the night before the race, because race t-shirts aren't guaranteed for walk-up registrations on race weekend.
- Bring a toy to drop off at either packet pickup location, since the race is collecting toys for the Planting the Seed Foundation this year.
- If you're pushing a stroller, line up at the back of the start, and leave the dog at home because pets aren't allowed.
- Virtual runners should collect their shirt at the Saturday packet pickup if they can, or wait for it to be mailed after race day.
- Be sure of your plans before you sign up, because there are no refunds once you've registered for the Jingle 5K or Kids Run.
Special Events & Promotions
- Upgrade to the Greendale Physical Therapy Worcester Triple Crown by choosing the 3-race bundle, which adds the Guinness Celtic 5K in March 2027 and the Worcester Cinco (5)K in May 2027.
- Triple Crown finishers get a Finisher's Medal at the Worcester Cinco 5K finish line.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids take part?
Yes. The Kids Dash Run is about half a mile for children 12 and under. It starts before the 5K, and parents may run with their children.
Do I have to run the 5K?
No. Walkers are always welcome on the 3.1-mile course, which runs flat and fast through Downtown Worcester.
Can I bring my dog or a stroller?
Pets aren't allowed. Strollers are fine, but they must start at the back for safety.
How does the virtual option work?
Pick up your race shirt at the Saturday packet pickup if you can, or it will be mailed to your RunSignUp address after race day. To submit your time, go to Results on RunRhody.com, pick 2026 and the race name, then click Submit Virtual Results. Virtual entries count toward the race series.
Where do I pick up my packet?
Pre-race pickup is on Saturday, December 5, at Sneakerama, 12 Lake Drive, Worcester. Race-day pickup is on Front St. next to City Hall. Walk-up registration is taken at both.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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