Lace up your running shoes and tie them with some jingle bells! Ready to run for the holidays? There are plenty of season-theme holiday runs in Jacksonville and the First Coast, including kid-friendly fun runs with holiday celebrations following the main event. You may even see Santa or catch the Gingerbread Man!
Run Turkey Run 5k & Subway Kids Run Jax
November 24 :: 7:30am – 9:00 am
Start a new family tradition this Thanksgiving with the Run Turkey Run 5k and Subway Kids Run Series in beautiful World Golf Village with Ultimate Racing.
Gingerbread Man Dash 10k/5K
December 3 :: 8:00 am
Join your favorite holiday cookie at the 6th Annual Gingerbread Man 5k Dash on December 3 at 8:00 a.m. at World Golf Village. The real Gingerbread Man will be out running amuck around the course…catch him if you can! Holiday socks, hats and general candy cane striped attire are encouraged. At the finish, enjoy a Gingerbread Man cookie (of course) from Amaretti Desserts along with great eats and drinks for participants. 10k/5k runners receive a t-shirt with and custom medal.
Festival of Lights 5K
December 10 :: 6:00 pm
The Festival of Lights 5K will be held the same evening as San Marco’s Holiday Magic. The 5K and 1 Mile will both start and finish on San Marco Blvd. in the Square. The event will feature carolers, jugglers, food & drink, bell ringers, pictures with Santa, Christmas Tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage, Christmas music and much more.
Santa Suits on the Loose
December 10 :: 8:00 am
Run, walk, or jog a race in a Santa suit! Event takes place at the St. Augustine Beach Pier.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk
December 3 :: 6:00 pm
Chosen as one of the Most Incredible Themed Races, Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to help find a cure for arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving. Event starts at Unity Plaza in Riverside this year. Fun run is FREE for kids!
The Subaru Distance Classic
November 24 :: 6:50 am
Kick off your Turkey Day with a half marathon, 6K or 1-miler during the popular Subaru Distance Classic in Pickwick Park in Mandarin.
Reindeer Run Half Marathon & 5K
December 4 :: 7:00 am
Fun races and activities for the entire family in Fernandina Beach. Musical Christmas entertainment on the route. Kids Zone with free arts and crafts and bounces houses. Beer Garden, Chocolate milk and holiday cookies and treats for all participants. The 1/2 marathon and 5k start at 7 a.m. sharp! One mile kids’ run starts at 10:00 a.m., 1/2 mile kids run 10:15 a.m.; 100 yd dash at 10:30 a.m.
Candy Cane 5K
December 10 :: 8:30 am
Show Us Your Stripes at the Candy Cane 5K! Take Stock in Children and the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast will be hosting the 4th Annual Candy Cane 5k, a fun holiday run/walk for the whole family. For more information, please contact Callan Bell at 904.272.4304 or cbell@FirstCoastYMCA.org.
Race For Presents
December 10 :: 8:00 am
Join EnJoy Fitness on Saturday, December 10th, for the #Race For Presents. This challenging and unique run will celebrate our founding partner’s 41st birthday, the four year anniversary of EnJoy Fitness and Christmas all in one fun packed event! We will also be supporting the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund with a present drive, so help a child in need by bringing an unwrapped toy (ages 8-12).
ReinBEER Fun Run 2016
December 17 :: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The third annual Tapestry Park ReinBEER Run 5k will be followed by “reindeer games” begin at the Aloft Hotel immediately after the run. Pick up your finisher’s medal and enjoy live music, a sampling of tastes from Tapestry Park area restaurants and icy cold Aardwolf craft beer too! Prizes, surprises and even an ugly Christmas sweater contest are planned.
