Entry fees for the Santa Run 8K/5K & Snowman Dash range from $20 to $54.99, with the race taking place on December 19, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina at 324 S. Mint St. The event offers three distance options: a 1-mile run, a 5K, and an 8K, with a typical start time of 9:00 AM. Whether you're training through the holiday season or looking for a festive race experience, you can compete in person or choose the virtual participation option if travel to Charlotte doesn't fit your schedule. The variety of distances makes this race accessible to runners of different abilities and training cycles.
From the Race Organizer
It’s the most RUNderful time of the year! 8k can choose to be a Santa , Elf , Reindeer , or Snowman . The 10 th Annual Santa Run 8K/5K & Snowman Dash presented by Taylor Clay Products, will take place on December 19, 2026 at 9:00am in front of Truist Ball park in Uptown Charlotte. This family fun event encourages participants to have fun, be creative, and dress up in costumes. Costumes are of course encouraged but not required. In fact, we will help you with your costume. All participants will get to choose their character shirt and receive a hat to go with it…Santa Hat, Elf Hat, Reindeer Antlers, and a Snowman beanie. The Santa Run will also have a 1 mile Snowman Dash. This is a holiday tradition you will not want to miss. START TIMES 8K & 5K - 9:00AM Snowman Dash (1 mile) - 10:15AM What do I get for participating? 1. High Quality shirt . We will have Unisex long sleeve shirts so please size yourself with that in mind. You must register before December 2nd to be guaranteed a choice of shirt; SANTA, ELF, REINDEER, OR SNOWMAN. Your style of shirt will depend on what “character” you chose during registration. Anyone registered AFTER December 1st will be an SANTA while inventory lasts. 2. Finisher Medals guaranteed for the 8K & 5K ONLY . We do not have medals for the Snowman Dash. 3. Santa Hats, Elf Hats, Reindeer Antlers, and Snowman Beanies for the 8K and 5K only. Must register before December 1st to be guaranteed a hat. We will have extras available at the registration tent AFTER the race is over. Packet Pick Up Friday, December 18, 2026; 10:30AM – 6:00PM Run For Your Life – Midtown 901 South Kings Drive, #100 Charlotte, NC 28204 Race Day Packet Pick Up – Saturday, December 19, 2026; 7:45AM – 8:45AM 324 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202 *YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PICK UP PACKETS FOR FRIENDS AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS Virtual Runners Your shirt and bib will be mailed out on race weekend, as soon as we get the shirts back from the printers. You can submit your time on the results page. T-Shirts Every 8K & 5K participant will receive a t-shirt that signed up before December 1st. If you've registered after our character/shirt deadline on December 1st , you will be registered as a Santa this year. We will order extra Santa shirts for those registering after December 1st but please note, your shirt is not guaranteed. We can not guarantee a Santa hat after December 1st. All Snowman Dashers will have Snowman shirts. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration. NO SWITCHING SIZES – NO EXCEPTIONS! Timing We have partnered with Run Events to time this years event using Chronotrack Timing Systems. All 8K participants will be timed and will receive their disposable timing tag during packet pick up. Snowman Dash participants will be able to see their time at the finish with the finish line clock. Divisions Overall, Masters, 12 and under, 13-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over. Awards Top 3 Males and Females overall and 1st in Age Groups. Claiming Awards As results become available, runners will be able to claim their awards at the awards ceremony prior to the last participant finishing. We do NOT ship unclaimed awards. NOTE: Sisu Events reserves the right to add/delete categories and awards prior to race based on participation. Refunds and Transfers Registration fees are non-refundable. Event registrations are non-transferable between individuals, events, or years. Time Limit Walkers are welcome in the Snowman Dash only. Medic/First Aid There will be a medical tent located at the finish line in case of emergency or any medical needs. Announcements can always be made at the DJ booth as well. Weather Policy Races are held, rain or shine, unless Sisu Events & Run Events determines that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Sisu Events/Run Events and local law enforcement officials. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Sisu Events & Run Events reserve the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race. Parking PLEASE arrive in time to park. There are many available parking lots and parking decks around Uptown Charlotte with evening parking rates (usually after 5pm). Many are within a short walking distance of Truist Ballpark. Expo After you cross the finish line, KEEP WALKING…receive your finishers medal! The food tables you will have water, bananas, and snacks from Earth Fare. FREE Hot Cocoa. Entertainment We are so excited to have music at the Start and Finish line to energize the runners and maintain the fun!
