San Diego Santa Run

The Santa’s Elves 1 Mile Run (Kids 12 & under) is one of San Diego’s largest kids run! At the conclusion of the Santa Run 5K it will be the kids turn to take over Garnet Avenue. All kids participants will receive a chip timed 1 mile result as well as a finisher medal!

Kids Run FAQ

Can the parent/guardian run with their kid?

• Absolutely! If you want to accompany your child during the one mile course you are more than welcome to.

What time does the Kids 1 Mile Start?

• 11:30AM

Where does the Kids 1 Mile Start/Finish?

• The start/finish line will be located on Garnet Ave in front of the Bank of America (912 Garnet Avenue). It is the same start/finish as the Santa Run 5K

What do the Kids 1 Mile participants receive?

• Kids 1 Mile Bib, Santa Hat, Santa Run sunglasses, chip timed results and a finisher medal!

Santa’s Little Helper Mile (Dog Run) – Santa’s Little Helper wave is dedicated to your furry best friend. Dress up with your pup and take to parading down Garnet Ave! Our beloved dog wave is limited to only 125 spots and sells out quick, so be sure to register early!

Dog 1 Mile FAQ

What time does the Dog 1 Mile Start?

• 12:00PM

Where does the Dog 1 Mile Start/Finish?

• The start/finish line will be located on Garnet Ave in front of the Bank of America (912 Garnet Avenue). It is the same start/finish as the Santa Run 5K

What do the Kids 1 Mile participants receive?

• Dog 1 Mile Bib, Santa Hat, and Santa Run sunglasses.

Can I run with my dog in the 5K?

• Dogs are NOT allowed in the 5K run due safety concerns. We love running with our dogs though which is why we created the Dog 1 Mile!

Sunny Santa Suits are Available in Two Sizes:

• Small – Fits adult size small and smaller
• Standard – Fits an adult size medium to XXL

The Santa fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! All Santa Run participants receive a complimentary drink ticket to one of our three post-race partner bars. Your drink ticket is attached to your bib and will be redeemable at Mavericks Beach Club, Tavern on the Beach OR 710 Beach Club. You must be 21+ and have your ID to redeem your ticket.

Packet Pick-Up Locations:

REMINDER – It is a $5 convenience fee to pick up on race morning!

Packet Pick Up #1:

• Date: Saturday, December 7th
• Location: Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr, San Diego, CA 92111
• Time: 10:00AM – 2:00PM

Packet Pick Up #2:

• Date: Thursday, December 12th
• Location: Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr, San Diego, CA 92111
• Time: 3:00PM – 7:00PM

Packet Pick Up #3:

• Date: Friday, December 13th
• Location: Pacific Beach – Parking Lot – 845 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
• Time: 2:00PM – 7:00PM

If you are picking up a packet for a friend you MUST bring their confirmation QR code OR a picture of their photo ID. A picture of their ID on your phone is best.

Award Categories

Age Group Awards will ONLY be given to participants in the 5K – 8 AM Wave! There will not be age group awards in the 5K – 10 AM Wave.

– Top 3 Overall Male and Female 5K
– Top 3 Male and Female 5K Age Groups: 13 & Under, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

What is included in my race registration?

• All 5K participants will receive the Sunny Santa Suit, sunglasses, chip timing and a complimentary drink ticket. All Kids 1 Mile runners will receive a Santa Hat, sunglasses, chip timing and a finisher award. Participants must be 21+ to receive the complimentary drink ticket.

What is the difference between the 5K – 8 AM Wave and the 5K – 10 AM Wave?

• We now offer two start times, depending if you are an early riser or would rather get a little more sleep :). The only difference is that we will offer Age Group Awards for just the 5K – 8 AM Wave. There will be NO awards for the 5K – 10 AM Wave. However, both Waves will be chip timed!

Where is the start line and finish line?

• The start/finish line is located at 912 Garnet Avenue next to the Bank of America.

Where can I see the course map?

• CLICK HERE for a link to course map.

Is this race chip timed?

• YES! Every participant will receive a chip timed result in both 5K Waves and the Kids Run. There is no chip timing in the dog/owner 1 Mile.

Where do I pick-up my race packet?

• CLICK HERE to view all packet pick-up information.

Can I have my packet mailed to me?

• YES, for a $15 convenience fee we will mail your packet including your race bib, Sunny Santa Suit, sunglasses and bib directly to your house! Note: the deadline for this purchase is Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

• YES, they’ll need to bring a copy of your ID (photo of your ID on a cell phone is fine) or a copy of their confirmation QR Code.

Where should I park for the event?

• All parking will be street parking in Pacific Beach.
• CLICK HERE for a map of paid parking lots close to the start/finish line

Is this event stroller friendly?

• Absolutely! Strollers are welcome in all waves and decorated strollers are highly encouraged! Have fun with it!

Can I run with my dog?

• We have a wave dedicated to Santa’s Little Helper (aka your dog)! Due to the size of the 5K run dogs ARE NOT ALLOWED in the 5K run.

Can I walk the 5K?

• Yes! We gladly welcome and encourage walkers. Although there is no defined course cut-off, we ask that 5K participants maintain a 20 minute per mile pace to allow us to remain on schedule for later waves.

Will there be age group awards?

• Yes, there will ONLY be age group awards for 5K – 8 AM Wave. There are no age group awards for the 5K – 10 AM Wave.
• The age group awards will be: top 3 overall, 13 & under, 14-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 80+ (male and female categories for all these age groups)

Where can I redeem my complimentary drink ticket?

• The Santa-fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! Enjoy a post-run complimentary drink at Mavericks Beach Club.

Can I get a refund for my registration?

• All race registrations are non-refundable. If you can no longer join the event, you have 3 options:
  1. You can opt to defer to another San Diego Running Co. 5K or Kids Run event in 2024 or 2025 (must be same event type). After Sunday, December 1st, the defer fee is $15. The deadline to defer is Thursday, December 12th.
  2. You may transfer your registration to another individual by Friday, December 13th. After Sunday, December 1st, there is a $15 transfer fee.
  3. Switch to Virtual for the 5K! We will mail you your Santa suit and goods the week after the event. You can run a 5K on your own and upload your 5K time to our results.

How do I volunteer?

• If you would like to join the festivities as a volunteer, we would love to have you! Email us at volunteers@sandiegorunningco.com and let us know you would like to volunteer. It takes a lot of support to make this event happen and it wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers!

Does this event benefit an organization?

• The event benefits the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade. The parade does not happen without the generous support of local businesses and residents. Now with San Diego Santa Run, we’ll be helping to ensure this Pacific Beach staple will continue for future generations.

No Parking Locations

Garnet Avenue between Mission Blvd & Ingraham St.

• • Saturday, December 14th – 5:00am until 4:00pm

Cass St. between Alley South of Garnet Ave. & Turquoise St.

• • Saturday, December 14th – 5:00am until 12:00pm

Bayard St. between Hornblend St. & Felspar St.

• • Saturday, December 14th – 5:00am until 4:00pm

Felspar St. between Gresham St. & Ingraham St..

• • Saturday, December 14th – 5:00am until 4:00pm

Haines St. between Felspar St. & Alley South of Garnet Ave

• • Saturday, December 14th – 5:00am until 4:00pm

Street Closures

Garnet Avenue between Mission Blvd & Ingraham St.

• • Saturday, December 14th – 5:00am until 4:00pm

Cass St. between Alley South of Garnet Ave. & Turquoise St.

• • Saturday, December 14th – 8:00am until 12:00pm

Bayard St. between Hornblend St. & Alley North of Garnet Ave.

• • Saturday, December 14th – 5:00am until 4:00pm

Felspar St. between Gresham St. & Ingraham St..

• • Saturday, December 14th – 8:00am until 4:00pm

Haines St. between Felspar St. & Alley South of Garnet Ave

• • Saturday, December 14th – 8:00am until 4:00pm