Event Details
5K, 10K, & Youth Run
The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run returns on Saturday, December 12th, 2026, starting at Ocean View Park on Barnard Way and finishing on Pacific Avenue & Windward Avenue!
Start time for 5K runners is 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM for 10K runners. We’ll be updating this website regularly with new live race details, so be sure to check back periodically for up-to-date information or visit our FAQ page!
Packet Pick-Up
Date: Thursday, December 10th
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Date: Friday, December 11th
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Road Runner Sports
1338 4th St,
Santa Monica, Ca 90401
Parking will be available at Road Runner Sports at the Santa Monica public parking structure – 1234 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The first 90 minutes are free.
To ensure a smooth race day experience, we strongly encourage all participants to pick up their race packets on Thursday or Friday at Road Runner Sports. If you do plan to pick up your packet on race day, please arrive at least one hour before your start time to allow enough time for check-in.
Packet Mailing
Save time on packet pickup by adding on packet mailing at registration! Already registered? Don’t worry! You can add it on through your EnMotive account by following these instructions.
The deadline to add packet mailing to your registration is November 24, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST. Please note, we are unable to mail out packets after the packet mailing deadline has passed.
Parking
Parking Near Start Line:
Parking will be available at 2701 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405 located approximately 1 mile from the finish line. Lots open at 5:00am and are cash only. To ensure a smooth race day experience, please plan to arrive early to avoid delays. We strongly recommend carpooling.
Parking Near Finish Line
Parking near the finish line can be found online at Parking Lots & Fees – Beaches & Harbors. Please review road closures as access to these lots will be impacted.
Vehicle Crossings
Residents & Businesses between
Pacific Avenue and Ocean Front Walk from Marine Court to South Venice Blvd
There will be three crossing points for access to Speedway Via Crossing over Pacific Avenue.
Crossing Point 1: Via Rose Avenue Controlled crossing from 5:00 AM – 6:50 AM, 7:30 AM – 7:50 AM & 8:15 AM to 10:30 AM
Crossing Point 2: Via Brooks Avenue Controlled crossing from 5:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Crossing Point 3: Via South Venice Blvd to Pacific Avenue Controlled crossing from 5:00 AM – 10:30 AM. All vehicle traffic south of Brooks Avenue must head south on Speedway and exit near S. Venice Blvd
Venice Canal Residents
Dell Avenue closed at South Venice Blvd from 5:00 AM – 10:30 AM Any vehicles north of Court A will head north on Dell Avenue to Court E (right), then to Eastern Court (right) for egress. Any vehicles trying to get back into the canals can do so from South of 28th Avenue.
Awards
Overall awards will take place at 7:45 AM for the 5K and 9:15 AM for the 10K at the stage in the post race party in Windward Plaza.
Overall awards will be given to the top 3 male and female for each distance.
- First place: $100
- Second and Third Place: $50
Grab your best Santa suit and join us for the holly jolly costume contest! Prizes for the best costumes will be awarded after top finisher awards are given out.
Post Race Party
