Santa's Run Fest in Winter Haven, Florida, offers 10K, 5K, and 800-yard running options on December 19, 2026. The event starts at 5:45 AM at 401 Avenue B NW. Entry fees range from free to $60, making it accessible across different budgets. Whether you're training for a longer distance or looking for a shorter race experience, this event accommodates multiple event lengths in a single morning.
From the Race Organizer
Winter Haven Optimist Club proudly presents the Santa's Run Fest - A Run for Our Kids. Choose a 15k, 10k or 5k and sign the kids up for the Kid Dashes! Winter Haven is a beautiful city of approximately 49,000 friendly folks. As the Chamber of Commerce mentions, "To some we're the perfect haven from the harsh winter months up North, and to others we are the opportunity to be involved in a town with over 55 lakes to enjoy with fantastic sunrises and sunsets over the water" ...AND an absolutely superb terrain for running. This years 15k, 10k and 5k Course will run an out and back course on the Chain of Lakes Trail in Winter Haven (to Lake Alfred for the 15K). The courses include gentle rises, enough to cause pressure for the advanced competitors but not so much to frustrate the average person. Runners will receive a custom shirt (Shirts and sizes will be available while supplies last), a custom bib, and a finisher medal when you cross the line on race day! Runners may optionally create and join teams to compete for the Largest team and to compete against each other in the 5k race for the Fastest team in one of three categories: 1. Family Team; 2. Corporate Team; 3. Social/Church/School Team There are 2 trophies in each category: Largest Team (by number of runners who compete) and Fastest Team (by the top 3 finishing times on the team - 5K only). Early Race Packet Pickup - Friday, December 18, 2026 4:00-7:00 pm - In The Breezeway of The Winter Haven Chamber Of Commerce Building - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 Day of Race - Saturday, December 19, 2026 START LOCATION! Next To The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Building on 4th Street NW & Ave B NW - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 6:00 am - Race Packet Pickup and Day of race registration 7:00 am - 15k Start 7:15 am - 10k Start 7:30 am - 5k Start 8:30 am - Awards Ceremony for the 5K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race) 8:45 am - Awards Ceremony for the 10K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race) 9:15 am - Awards Ceremony for the 15K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race) 9:00-9:15 am - Approx. start for the Kids' Sprints
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 19.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Winter Haven, 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
Santa’s Run Fest 2026 — Winter Haven, FL takes place on December 19, 2026. The race is held in Winter Haven, Florida.
Where is Santa’s Run Fest 2026 — Winter Haven, FL held?
Santa’s Run Fest 2026 — Winter Haven, FL is held at 401 Avenue B NW in Winter Haven, Florida.
Where can I find hotels near Santa’s Run Fest 2026 — Winter Haven, FL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Winter Haven. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
