

Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon
Chasing Santa Half Marathon: a festive, flat, out-and-back along the Long Beach coast.
Race Date
Dec 20, 2026
Location
Long Beach, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 20, 2026
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 10 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 117
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Chasing Santa Half Marathon brings holiday cheer to the Long Beach waterfront, starting at Alamitos Beach and following an out-and-back course along the coast. With nearly zero elevation gain, this paved route is flat and fast, ideal for runners chasing a personal best or just enjoying a seaside jog in Santa gear. The small field—drawing participants from about five states and with a repeat rate around 5%—adds an intimate, low-key vibe. The top male finisher typically crosses in about 80:35, reflecting a modest yet competitive field.
Race day weather is usually mild, with temperatures from 49 to 64°F and low chance of rain. A 3-hour-20-minute cutoff accommodates runners of all paces, and an early 6:30 am start is available by request. The course is not closed, but the coastal route offers ocean views and a festive atmosphere. After the run, participants enjoy the holiday spirit along Shoreline Drive, making this a charming seasonal event for locals and travelers alike.
Race-provided description
Santa’s on the move and it’s your turn to chase him down the Long Beach coast. Chasing Santa is all about festive miles, holiday spirit, and a little seasonal mischief by the sea. Whether you’re jogging, walking, or just soaking up the holiday cheer, this run is the perfect way to start the season with miles, smiles, and a touch of Santa magic. Details Start Location: Alamitos Beach, 780 E Shoreline Dr Long Beach, CA Parking: Parking in the lot is $2/hour and starts at 8am, if you are running the Half/10m you can use the Passport app to pay for parking. Street parking is free. Event Schedule Saturday 1:00-3:00pm – Early bib pick-up on the 2nd floor at Sports Basement Long Beach (store discount sent via email the week of the event & post-race)
Sunday 6:20am – Bib pick-up opens at the start 7:00am – Half marathon and 10-miler start 7:30am – 5k & 10k start 10:20am – Course closes (3 hours, 20 minutes for the Half) Early start of 6:30am may be pre-arranged in advance for half marathoners, email your request to events@hightideruns.com. All early starters will not be eligible for awards. Out & Back Course 5k & 10k: The 5k route is used for the 5k (one lap) and 10k (two laps) – 5k route 10m: The 5m route is used for the 10m (two laps) – 5m route Half: The 5m route is run twice and the 5k route is run once for the Half – 5m route and 5k route More About the Course This is an out and back course, meaning you will begin and finish in the same location. Our courses are not closed, which means that there are often runners, walkers, and others enjoying the day along with you. Safety is must and all runners must stay on the right side (pedestrian side) of the beach path. The course never goes off the beach path. On-course support: Courses are well marked with two water stations and restrooms along the way. Turns will be clearly marked with chalk, a sign that says runner turn, and a flag. Final Details Bib: Please wear your race bib on the front of your shirt so we can track your time and send your pics! Gear Check: You may leave personal items with staff at the registration tent. Please bring your own bag. Medals: All finishers earn a race medal. 1st place medals are given to the overall 1st male and female in each distance Results & Photos: An email with race results and photos will be sent the day after the race and earlier on Instagram. Race photos are free! Join Us Again: Did you have a blast running with us at our low-pressure, high vibes race? We have themed races throughout the year in Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley, San Diego, and Orange County. Register for multiple races at a time to earn a discount. Check our full schedule Have Another Question? Check our FAQ page, it's probably answered there!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, December 20, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
780 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA, 90802
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick423 years running
~41 finishers a year
small race — neutral
5% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 5 states
winner 1:20:35
typical high 64°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
82%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 117 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
117
Median time
2:01:07
Latest turnout
41
States
9
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon?
The Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon is held on Sunday, December 20, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Long Beach, California.
What distances does the Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 10 Miles.
Is the Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 117 runners who have completed the Chasing Santa – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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