Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Santa's Toy Trot: a flat, coastal out-and-back through Santa Monica's parks and pier.
Race Date
Dec 13, 2026
Location
Santa Monica, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 13, 2026
- Location
- Santa Monica, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 10 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 118
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The inaugural Santa's Toy Trot kicks off from Tongva Park in Santa Monica, crossing Ocean Avenue to the starting arch at Palisades Park. With a holiday theme and a 7:00 a.m. start, runners jingle along a paved, flat out-and-back course that hugs the coastline and turns at Belmont Pier. The route is an open path shared with other users, but well-marked with chalk, signs, and flags. A single water station at the pier and a finish-line aid station with Gatorade, gels, and fruit snacks provide on-course support.
The half marathon combines a 5-mile loop run twice with a 5K loop, all on flat terrain with ocean views. The course remains open for 3 hours 20 minutes, making it beginner-friendly and PR-friendly. Post-race, runners can enjoy a small, low-key atmosphere with limited street parking and nearby public lots or the E Line station. While the field is modest—around 50 entrants—the race offers a festive, community feel with a focus on a smooth, enjoyable experience along Santa Monica's scenic waterfront.
Race-provided description
Happy Holidays! It's time to jingle along from the start to the finish line! Race Details Start Location: Tongva Park, Santa Monica Parking: There is limited street parking on Ocean Ave. There are several public lots in short walking distance, the closest is the Civic Center Parking Lot. The E Line has a station nearby as well. Event Schedule Sunday 6:20am – Bib pick-up opens at Tongva Park 6:55am – Cross street to the starting arch at Palisades Park 7:00am – Half Marathon & 10k start 7:30am – 5k start 7:35am – Registration & start line close 10:20am – Course closes (3 hours, 20 minutes for the Half and 10k) Out and Back Courses 5k & 10k: The 5k route is used for the 5k (one lap) and 10k (two laps) 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 The path is an open course, so you will encounter others using it. When we start the race, please stay on the paved side of the pat On-Course Support: A fully stocked water station is located at the Belmont Pier. The finish line will also have an aid station stocked with water, gatorade, gels, and fruit snacks. We have a first aid kit at each station and all High Tides Crew Members have received CPR training. The turns are clearly marked with chalk, a runner turn sign, 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 medal. 1st place medals are given to the overall 1st male and female in each distance Results & Photos: A link for 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, Santa Monica, Orange County, and San Diego. 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 13, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
1615 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90401
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
Quality Score
3 years running
~52 finishers a year
shrinking
0% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 2 states
winner 1:39:32
typical high 64°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 118 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
118
Median time
2:03:23
Latest turnout
28
States
3
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon?
The Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon is held on Sunday, December 13, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Santa Monica, California.
What distances does the Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 10 Miles.
Is the Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 118 runners who have completed the Santa's Toy Trot – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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