2026 The Holiday Half & 5k

The Holiday Half, now in its 16th year, brings holiday cheer to Portland each winter. With nearly 5,000 participants and runners from 16 states, it’s a growing tradition. About 21% of runners return, drawn by the flat, USATF-certified course that’s a PR-friendly route through North Portland.

The course is a flat loop through residential streets, lined with carolers and amplified holiday music. Cookie stations appear at intervals, and runners often wear festive costumes—Santa hats, reindeer antlers, tinsel. The atmosphere is joyfully informal, yet the course is fast. Finishers receive a cute medal and a long-sleeve tech shirt, then warm up with post-race treats.

December in Portland means chilly temperatures in the high 30s to mid-40s, often damp, but the community spirit warms the event. With distances from 5K to the half, it’s a beginner-friendly race that also attracts competitive runners chasing a flat course for a strong finish. The holiday theme makes it a standout on the winter calendar.