The Paw Paw Rotary 5K Santa Run starts at 9:00 AM on December 12, 2026, in Paw Paw, Michigan, giving you a morning window to arrive and settle in the night before. The event offers both a 1-mile and a 5K distance, with running and walking options available for each. The venue is located at 600 E. Michigan Avenue. Entry fees range from free to $25.00, making this an affordable option for your December race calendar. Whether you're targeting a holiday 5K or looking for a shorter warm-up mile, this Rotary-hosted event accommodates various distances and paces.
From the Race Organizer
Get into the Holiday Spirit with Exercise & Fun! The Paw Paw Area Rotary Club is hosting its 15th Annual 5K Santa Run and 1- Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Freshwater Community Church in Paw Paw. Proceeds from the Run will be used to support the Rotary Club’s efforts both locally & worldwide. Each participant will receive a 5-piece Santa suit to wear during the Run/Walk (kids under 12 receive a free Santa hat). A $100 donation will be made to Rotary International's WASH program on behalf of the men's and the women's 1st place runners. Rotary's WASH initiative works to bring clean water, sanitation and hygiene programs worldwide to communities in need. The Santa Run is a popular community event enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. Enjoy our pre-run party with live music, treats, and time to visit with friends. To add to the fun, we'll again provide face painting before the run. The race kicks off at 9 am when you will help fill the town with Christmas cheer as one of over 100 Santas running through downtown Paw Paw! Event Day Schedule: Onsite registration and sign-in for the event: 7:30—8:30 AM 5K Run & Walk 9:00 AM Fun Walk 9:05 AM Cost: $25 - Early online registration: Online registration runs thru 5 PM Wednesday, December 9th, 2026. $30 - Onsite registration day of event: After 5 PM Wednesday, December 9th, 2026, online registration will be closed. Please register on site on the day of the event starting at 7:30 AM. FREE - Children under 12 years of age. Children receive a free Santa Hat. Everyone’s a winner! The purpose of this event is to provide a fun and family-friendly community run that everyone can enjoy. Every Santa who participates is a winner whether they're just there for a fun-run, or working to beat a personal record. In addition to receiving a Santa suit, a medal will be presented to each person who completes the Santa Run. This event is NOT timed. Event and Onsite Registration Early arrival on the day of the event is encouraged! Event and onsite registration will be at Freshwater Community Church, 600 East Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw. Doors open at 7:30 AM. Pick up your Santa suit and enjoy live holiday music. To add to the fun, face painting will again be provided. And don't forget to come back in to pick up a healthy snack after the race. Bad Weather The run will be canceled by 7:30 a.m. on race day if the weather is too severe. There will be no refunds. Other Information *Dogs are not allowed on the course. *All walkers and participants with strollers will be required to wait until all runners have crossed the start line. Get into the holiday spirit & sign up for the run TODAY!
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Paw Paw, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Paw Paw Rotary 5K Santa Run 2026 — Paw Paw, MI?
Paw Paw Rotary 5K Santa Run 2026 — Paw Paw, MI takes place on December 12, 2026. The race is held in Paw Paw, Michigan.
Where is Paw Paw Rotary 5K Santa Run 2026 — Paw Paw, MI held?
Paw Paw Rotary 5K Santa Run 2026 — Paw Paw, MI is held at 600 E. Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Paw Paw Rotary 5K Santa Run 2026 — Paw Paw, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Paw Paw. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
