2026 Little Debbie® Christmas Tree Cake Run

Event Overview

’Tis the season to put on your running shoes! Presented by the Collegedale Commons Foundation and our community partners, and sponsored by Little Debbie® snack cakes, the 2026 Little Debbie® Christmas Tree Cake Run features a ½-marathon, 7-mile and 5K (with virtual options available), a separate 5K walk and our fan-favorite Kids’ Dash. Wear your best Christmas race gear and capture the moment with our Little Debbie costume character!

Event Information

• Location: The Commons in Collegedale, 4950 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale, Tenn., 37363
• Date: Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026
• Event Cap: This event is capped at 500, including all virtual participants
• Schedule:
  • 7-mile run: 8 a.m.
  • ½ marathon: 8:03 a.m.
  • 5K run: 8:15 a.m.
  • Kids’ dash, .5K (2-10 years old): 8:18 a.m.
  • 5K walk: 8:35 a.m.

Activities and Attractions

• Swag: Don’t miss out on run day — stop by our sponsor booths to snag free swag and enter to win big, including several $150 store gift cards from both Radcliffe’s Run/Walk of Chattanooga and Terra Running of Cleveland.
• Kids’ Zone: The Kids’ Zone is a great spot for little ones to enjoy an inflatable obstacle course, petting zoo, touch-a-truck and yard games. Please ensure children are supervised by an adult at all times.
• Tree Lighting: The City of Collegedale will host their annual Christmas in Collegedale event the same day, same location, from 3 p.m.-dusk, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony.
• Veteran Support: Assisting with the event will be veterans from the American Legion, the VFW and the National Guard. The Ooltewah High School JROTC will also be on hand.

Participant Perks & Awards

• Branded Gear: Every participant, except Kids’ Dash, receives a branded shirt, a goody bag with Little Debbie® snacks, and their choice of a Little Debbie Christmas Tree ornament.
• Finisher Medals: All finishers earn a medal. Top male and female overall finishers and 1st–3rd place (male/female) in each category receive distinct ribbons.
• Age Groups: Age Groups for ½-marathon, 7-mile and 5K: 11–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+. Children under age 11 may run in the 5K, 7-mile or ½-marathon, but will not be eligible for place or overall finisher medals.
• Virtual Packets: Virtual participants will receive their packet with branded run shirt, Christmas Tree ornament and finisher medal by Dec. 31, 2026.

Parking and Facilities

• Parking: Plenty of free parking spaces near Little Debbie Park, Imagination Station, Commons in Collegedale and the public parking lot on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road.
• Restrooms:
  • Little Debbie Park pavilion
  • Outside Commons
  • Imagination Station pavilion
  • Parks & Recreation Office Building, across the creek from the fish pond
• Event Description: Start/finish at the 10+ acre Little Debbie Park and the Commons in Collegedale. This family-friendly beautiful park has pavilions, a playground and restrooms.
• Safety Note: For the comfort and safety of all participants, please refrain from bringing pets. Service animals welcome.

Routes and Additional Details

• Run and Walk Routes:
  • ½-marathon: View Route
  • 7-mile: View Route
  • 5K (Timed): View Route
  • 5K Walk (Untimed): View Route
  • Kids Race: View Route
• Weather Policy: This event will take place rain/shine. No refunds allowed.
• Charity Benefit: Proceeds will benefit the Collegedale Veterans Memorial Park.
• Past Success: Great news! Our 2026 Little Debbie® 7 Fun Run runners helped raise more than $3,000 for the Collegedale Veterans Memorial Park.

Registration

For more details and to register for the event, visit the official race page: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Run.