Santa's Run Fest
About This Event
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
Race Distances
Ready to run?
Registration Pricing
15k Run - Adults
$55.00
+ $5.21 processing fee
event_busy Goes up to $60.00 after Dec 18, 2026
10k Run - Adults
$50.00
+ $4.88 processing fee
event_busy Goes up to $55.00 after Dec 18, 2026
10K Run - Students
$30.00
+ $3.53 processing fee
event_busy This price ends Dec 18, 2026
5k Run - Adults
$45.00
+ $4.54 processing fee
event_busy Goes up to $50.00 after Dec 18, 2026
5K Run - Students
$25.00
+ $3.19 processing fee
event_busy This price ends Dec 18, 2026
Kids' Sprints (Kids 10 & Under)
$10.00
+ $2.18 processing fee
event_busy This price ends Dec 18, 2026
Volunteer
$0.00
event_busy Registration closes Dec 18, 2026
Prices from the official registration page, updated several times a day.
Registration links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Weather
Frequently Asked Questions
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Race Day Schedule
12/19/2026 07:00
15K Start
12/19/2026 07:15
10K Start
12/19/2026 07:15
10K Start
12/19/2026 07:30
5K Start
12/19/2026 07:30
5K Start
12/19/2026 09:00
800 Yards Start
12/19/2026 05:45
Volunteer Start
Registration
Registration links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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Gear for race day
GU Energy Original Gels, Caffeine-Free Mixed (24 ct)
Classic race gel, mixed flavors
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LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes, Citrus Salt (30 ct)
1,000 mg sodium per stick, zero sugar
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Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Anti-chafe balm for humid long runs
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Santa's Run Fest
December 19, 2026