Santa Runs Tacoma
Santa Runs Tacoma: a festive waterfront half with a famous medal.
Race Date
Dec 12, 2026
Location
Tacoma, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Location
- Tacoma, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
On a crisp winter morning in Tacoma, roughly 100 runners gather downtown for the Santa Runs Tacoma half marathon. The out-and-back course leads along the waterfront, tracing the Ruston Way Path with views of Commencement Bay and Dune Peninsula Park. A few rolling hills keep the legs honest, and the Wilson Way Bridge offers a bird's-eye reward before the turnaround.
The race has a small, low-key feel, with a loyal contingent—about 14% of participants return in later years. Typical temperatures sit in the mid-30s to low 40s, often with a damp chill that adds to the winter atmosphere. All finishers receive the event's famous Santa-themed medal, a festive keepsake. The half is the main event, but the weekend also includes a 10K and a family-friendly 5K, making it a versatile holiday running tradition.
Race-provided description
Get ready for the most RUNderful time of the year! The half marathon is a gorgeous out-and-back course starting in downtown Tacoma, with a few rolling hills to keep those legs awake and working. You’ll run along the waterfront until it connects to the Ruston Way Path, where you’ll head towards the Point Ruston Waterwalk and Tacoma’s Dune Peninsula Park. Before turning around, you’ll go up the Wilson Way Bridge for a bird’s eye view of the area, and then make your way back down the waterfront to finish downtown. The 10K is an out-and-back following along the half marathon route, starting in downtown Tacoma and running along the waterfront. The 5K is an annual tradition and fun for the whole family, runners and walkers are welcome to join in this 3.1 mile event. All finishers will receive one of our famous Santa Runs Tacoma medals.
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Urban
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
Solid Pick477 years running
~342 finishers a year
shrinking
14% returning runners
2 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:25:39
typical high 45°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
35°
Afternoon (High)
45°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
89%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Santa Runs Tacoma?
The Santa Runs Tacoma is held on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Where does the Santa Runs Tacoma take place?
It takes place in Tacoma, Washington.
What distances does the Santa Runs Tacoma offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Santa Runs Tacoma course flat and good for a PR?
The Santa Runs Tacoma is a rolling hills, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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