Santa's Run Fest

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

Please remain socially distant when participating in the Santa's Run Fest - Run for Our Kids 15k, 10k, 5k and Kids Sprints Events. Your understanding adherence to the CDC Local and State Guidelines will help ensure we can continue to hold races like this in the future.

There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and persons with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. If you choose to participate in the Santa's Run Fest, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

This live event will be conducted within guidelines established by CDC, state & local governments and subject to change. We are aware that the COVID-19 situation is continuing to evolve. Should guidance change and the live event not be allowed to take place as planned, we are ready to make necessary changes to follow by the revised guidelines, including rescheduling or changing to a virtual event if needed.

Click the PDF below to view map.

SHIRTS

15k, 10k and 5k Shirts will be available on a first come first serve basis based on availability. Some shirts sizes will not be available close to or on race day. All kids in the Fun Run will receive shirts while supplies last.

AWARDS

15k, 10k and 5k Awards will be presented to the Overall male and female and top 3 finishers male and female in each age group.

10K & 5k Age Divisions will begin with 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 and over. No duplicate awards.

15K Age Divisions will begin with 18-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 and over. No duplicate awards.

Please Check Kiosks after your run to assure your name/time/results are showing up correctly on race day before you leave the area. Awards will be given out after each race. (Awards can be arranged to be mailed at an addition fee for shipping and handling)

The Kids' Sprints Awards will be given to the top 2 boys and girls in each division.

TEAM AWARDS

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 4. 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).

Deadline for team signups is Friday, December 18, 2026 at 12:00 pm (noon)

FINISHER MEDALS & RIBBONS

Finisher medals will be given to the 15k, 10k and 5k event finishers. All Kids' Sprint participants will receive finisher medals as well.