Surfin' Santa's Christmas In July 5K & Holiday Stroll takes place at 10 Washington Parkway in Stratford, Connecticut on July 26, 2026. The event offers three distance options: a 5K run, a 1-mile run or walk, and a 300-yard option. Entry fees range from free to $40, making it accessible for various budgets. The race starts at 8:20 AM, giving participants an early morning start to beat the summer heat. Whether you're training for a longer event or looking for a casual summer outing with a holiday theme, this race accommodates both runners and walkers across multiple distance levels.
From the Race Organizer
LAST YEAR WE SOLD OUT A WEEK IN ADVANCE. DON'T GET SHUT OUT THIS YEAR! Join us Sunday, July 26th at 8:30 AM for the Surfside Hotel "Surfin’ Santa’s Christmas in July 5K and Holiday Stroll" to benefit St Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound. We have a strict, 250 person limit! Last year we sold out ahead of the race date. You can run or walk the " chip timed" 3.11 mile/5k event Or you can walk the UNTIMED one-mile Holiday Stroll option . All abilities are welcome. *EVERYONE 21 & over is eligible for a terrific "holiday cheer" drink after their finish. (N/a drinks, other N/a fluids & soft drinks also available). Our course runs through the scenic seaside neighborhood of Lordship, in Stratford. 2026 Fundraiser Recipient: St Vincent’s Swim Across The Sound: Each Summer, swimmers make the 15.5 mile trek across the Long Island Sound from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport. The Swim raises more than $500,000 a year to support oncology programs and provide financial assistance to cancer patients and families in our community regardless of where they are treated. EVENT SCHEDULE REG OPENS May 1 July 12 - Registration deadline at midnight for guaranteed shirt After that 'as available' - and we could run out SATURDAY, July 25, 9:30-12 noon (that's our hours, if you are early please don't feed the gulls) Bib/swag pickup in the lot across the street from Little Pub Restaurant, on Washington Parkway. SUNDAY, July 26 7:15-8:29 am Bib & swag pickup across the street from the Little Pub. Really late reg online- only if not sold out. (but we likely will be) 8:20am FREE Kids Fun Run (9 year old & younger only please) Directed by Kids Queen Donna! 8:30 am START Timed 5K RUN /walk & untimed one mile stroll 8:55 am Post-event snacks, bottled water, AND Holiday Cheer (21 and over only) Holiday Market and post-race reception begins at 9 am. ONLINE REGISTRATION FEES - THE 5k (3.11 miles) TIMED EVENT - Fee for ALL ages 5/1-5/31 $33 6/1-6/30 $37 7/1-7/26 $40 THE ONE-Mile WALK ONLY, UNTIMED EVENT - Fee all ages 5/1-5/31 $30 6/1-6/30 $33 7/1-7/26 $35 Paid registrants receive. Surfin Santa T-Shirt Computer chip timing for the 5k Free parking till it fills up (don't be late please) A beautiful, flat, scenic course along the water Snacks & stuff when you are done Lucky Lager for everyone 21 & over Athletic Brewing N/a craft brew on site All paid registrants are invited to our post-race party with a choice of Adult (21 & over) beverages TBD Non alcohol choices FEATURING ATHLETIC BREWING! and soft drinks. Snacks by the Little Pub Then enjoy - more to follow. Stay tuned! Prizes/awards 1st Men’s/1st Women’s Grand Prize: THE Surfside Getaway! One night midweek getaway at the Surfside Hotel! Enjoy the beach, the bikes, & the beautiful seaside village of Lordship. Terms : one-night stay Sun-Thurs. Standard room. Based on availability. Non-holiday or weekends. 2-week advance notice is required. AWARDS/UNIQUE ‘Trophies’ - "Think Xmas Socks"... Special themed stuff (or gift cards) to the top M & F in age groups 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ and first non-binary. We are working on 2nd & 3rd place awards. SPECIAL AWARDS- SWIM ACROSS THE SOUND GIFT BASKETS Donated by Hartford Healthcare this Swim Across the Sound basket will be awarded to the participant showing the most Holiday Cheer. EVENT INFORMATION You can run or walk the "chip timed" 3.11 mile/5k event or walk the UNTIMED Holiday Stroll option. All abilities are welcome All participants in both events will receive the same 'swag' of shirts and more. ONLY The 5k TIMED distance participants are eligible for awards & prizes in their age groups. The untimed walk does not include any awards. This safe, modified event follows all state guidelines and health department mandates. Parking is available in lots at the Little Pub, & across the street, on Washington Pkwy, along the seawall and side streets. Please do not block a driveway & try to arrive early and carpool. This is a residential area- Parking along the seawall may fill up early with non-event spectators, and sightseers. Valet parking is NOT available! COURSE DETAILS great water views, 95.6% flat, and quiet roads. https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2606888 Roads are OPEN - you'll run/walk safely ON THE LEFT, FACING TRAFFIC- be aware at all times. *PLEASE DO NOT use ear pods of any type so you can hear any warnings during your event. Race Directed by Marty Schaivone who partners with the Little Pub for seven events each year which contribute over $10,000 a year to local charities. Thanks to Doug Grabe, owner and host of the Little Pub THERE MIGHT NOT BE WATER TABLES ON THE COURSE. Carry your own fluids if needed. SAFETY MODIFICATIONS Thanks to the many Departments of Stratford we will be able to present this outdoor event. Safe distances and safety protocols will be in place, and State/Town guidelines will be met. With fixed costs & pre-payment of many items, we CANNOT REFUND any registration fees . Whether we are live
