Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
Santa’s Reindeer Run: a festive beach half marathon with ocean views and Santa.
Race Date
Dec 20, 2026
Location
Huntington Beach, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 20, 2026
- Location
- Huntington Beach, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 300 Yards, 1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 78
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Santa’s Reindeer Run returns for its second year, bringing holiday cheer to Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach. With about 135 finishers from four states, this small but spirited event offers a flat, fast course along the Pacific coast. Runners can choose from a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, all starting from Lot 25 and winding through beachside paths with ocean breezes.
The race is chip-timed with festive finisher medals, free race-day photos, and holiday treats at the finish. Santa himself makes an appearance for photos and high-fives, and a costume contest adds to the fun. Perfect for a family-friendly holiday outing, the event also features a 1-mile fun run and a kids’ dash. Parking is available for a $15 fee, and same-day registration opens at 6:45 AM.
Race-provided description
🎅🏃♀️ 3rd Annual Santa Reindeer Run 🦌✨ Bolsa Chica State Beach – Lot 25 Sunday, December 20, 2026 Get ready to jingle all the way at the 2nd Annual Santa Reindeer Run! Join us at beautiful Bolsa Chica State Beach for a festive morning of holiday vibes, ocean views, and Santa Claus himself! Whether you’re here to race, stroll, or rock your favorite holiday outfit, this is the perfect way to kick off the season. All finishers receive a festive medal, free race-day photos, and yummy finish-line treats. Plus, dress up for our Holiday Costume Contest for a chance to win extra prizes and epic bragging rights! 🎄🎁 🎅 Special Appearance by Santa! Santa will be waiting at the start and finish lines for photos, hugs, and high-fives. Be sure to grab your holiday photo with Santa! 📸 🏁 Race Day Schedule 📍 Location: Bolsa Chica State Beach – Lot 25 6:45 AM — Bib Pick-Up & Same-Day Registration Opens 7:30 AM — Half Marathon Start 8:30 AM — 5K & 10K Start 9:00 AM - Family 1- Miler 9:30 AM- Kids 200 yard Dash 9:45 AM - Santa PAWS Doggie Parade ⏱️ Timing & Awards ✔️ Chip-Timed Race with live results 🏅 Finisher Medals for All Participants 📸 Free Race-Day Photos 🥇 Overall & Age Group Awards for the top 3 men & women in each distance Awards Ceremony Times:
🚗 Parking & Drop-Off Parking Fee: $15 per vehicle — State Park accepts card only Main Entrance: 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 (gate opens at 6:00 AM) Drive west after entering the main gate until you reach Lot 25 — the last lot on the right, near Warner Avenue & PCH Drop-Off Option: Get dropped off at Warner & PCH, just steps from Lot 25 Free Public Parking: Available in Sunset Beach behind Jack in the Box (17243 Pacific Coast Highway) Tip: Carpooling highly encouraged!
✨ Join the Holiday Magic! Lace up, grab your Santa hat, and jingle through the miles at Bolsa Chica State Beach! The Santa Reindeer Run is the ultimate way to celebrate the season with friends, family, and festive fun. 🔗 Register today at CaliFlowRuns.com
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, December 20, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Start Location
17851 Pacific Coast, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
View Course Map
Open on Strava
8 other maps for this race
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : 5400 E Ocean Blvd LB
- Strava— Half Marathon Course : Granada Beach
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Granada Beach
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Bolsa
- Strava— Half Marathon Course : Bolsa
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Venice
- Strava— Half Marathon Course : Venice
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Santa Monica
Quality Score
Solid Pick422 years running
~106.5 finishers a year
growing or steady
2% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 4 states
winner 0:39:47
typical high 64°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
48°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 78 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
78
Median time
2:13:45
Latest turnout
78
States
7
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon?
The Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon is held on Sunday, December 20, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Huntington Beach, California.
What distances does the Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 300 Yards, 1 Miles.
Is the Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 78 runners who have completed the Santa’s Reindeer Run - 3rd Annual- 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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