On December 12, 2026, Run Like the Dickens takes place in Fernandina Beach, Florida, at Sandbar Amelia Island at Main Beach. The event features a 1-mile running distance and starts at 8:30 AM. With an entry fee of $30, this is an accessible option for runners visiting the area for a holiday-season event. If you're traveling to northeast Florida for the race, you'll want accommodation near Main Beach to minimize pre-race travel time and simplify logistics on race morning.
From the Race Organizer
Run Like the Dickens 2026 Hold on to your bonnets and top hats, gather the family, and dash into the holiday spirit at this merry one-mile fun run along the beautiful shores of Amelia Island Main Beach. Whether you're racing like the Ghost of Christmas Past is close behind or simply strolling with friends and four-legged companions, this festive tradition is sure to fill your heart with laughter and Christmas cheer. Inspired by the timeless holiday spirit of A Christmas Carol, this beloved Dickens on Centre tradition returns on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at Main Beach, Amelia Island. Check-in and onsite registration begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Sandbar Amelia Island . Look for the registration table and prepare to step into a morning filled with festive fun and holiday cheer. Arrive early for a spirited pre-race warm-up courtesy of the YMCA, guaranteed to awaken even the sleepiest Christmas spirit! The course features a simple beach route—out, around the tree, and back—with direction subject to beach conditions. Follow the T-Rex troop for a guaranteed good time! *Please note this is a fun run and is not a chipped race. After crossing the finish line, join us at the Sandbar Amelia Island for the awards ceremony and a special visit from Santa Claus, who will be onsite for festive photo opportunities. Fuel Your Holiday Spirit The Sandbar Amelia Island will be serving a special $9 breakfast combo, available beginning around 8:00 a.m. from the snack shack window: Choice of breakfast sandwich Choice of hot chocolate or coffee The restaurant will also open early for brunch beginning around 9:30 a.m. Register Today Register online by Friday, November 20 at 5:00 p.m. to receive an official Run Like the Dickens 2026 T-shirt. Registrations received after November 20, as well as onsite registrations, will receive a shirt as supplies allow. If unavailable on race day, we will do our best to arrange mailing or pickup at the Amelia Island Welcome Center. Costumes encouraged. Smiles guaranteed. Whether you arrive dressed as Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Ghost of Christmas Present, or simply in your favorite holiday attire, costumes are highly encouraged. Expect plenty of laughter, holiday magic, and memories worthy of Christmases Past, Present, and Future. All are welcome—including children and dogs. Run Like the Dickens is presented by the Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and sponsored by the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council, in partnership with the YMCA , Sandbar Amelia Island , Coastal Vision Center , and Salty Sports Society . For additional Dickens on Centre information, visit AmeliaIsland.com/Dickens . Planning an overnight holiday getaway? Visit AmeliaIsland.com/holiday for lodging information. Registrations are non-refundable.
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Fernandina Beach, FL. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Run Like the Dickens 2026 2026 — Fernandina Beach, FL
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Fernandina Beach, FL.
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 Run Like the Dickens 2026 2026 — Fernandina Beach, FL?
Run Like the Dickens 2026 2026 — Fernandina Beach, FL takes place on December 12, 2026. The race is held in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Where is Run Like the Dickens 2026 2026 — Fernandina Beach, FL held?
Run Like the Dickens 2026 2026 — Fernandina Beach, FL is held at Sandbar Amelia Island at Main Beach in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Where can I find hotels near Run Like the Dickens 2026 2026 — Fernandina Beach, FL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Fernandina Beach. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
