The Merriest Night: Run & Holiday Festival

The Merriest Night

Join us at Timber Creek Park for The Merriest Night, an evening Christmas celebration featuring a festive 5K Run, Mile Walk/Run, and Daisy's Reindeer Run for younger participants.

Whether you're looking to race for a personal best, enjoy a festive evening walk, bring the kids out for their first race, or simply spend an evening celebrating the Christmas season with family and friends, The Merriest Night has something for everyone.

Register before December 1st and receive free race swag at packet pickup! Our 2026 swag item will be revealed on the On the Dime Timing social media pages on November 1st!

Our Three Races

The Merriest 5K

Open to runners of all ages

• Course: Experience Timber Creek Park's North Pole Woods during an evening Christmas 5K.
• Decorations: The course winds through the park's wooded paths with Christmas decorations and holiday touches.
• Finish Line: Marked by a large Christmas inflatable arch next to the rotunda pavilion.
• Treat: Every participant gets a complimentary cup of hot cocoa from Daisy's Travelling Coffee Cart!

The Merriest Mile

For runners 15 & Under and walkers of all ages

• Distance: The Merriest Mile provides a shorter option for younger runners and walkers.
• Route: Participants will take in the Christmas atmosphere and decorations along the course.
• Finish: Finishing beneath the Christmas inflatable arch.

Daisy's Reindeer Run

For children 8 & Under

• Challenge: Daisy the Dime has gathered her reindeer friends for a special holiday challenge!
• Distance: Youngest participants will take on a 200-meter run before the main races begin.
• Gifts: Every participant will receive a pair of reindeer antlers to race in & a finisher medal!

The Merriest Night Festivities

The celebration continues after the races!

• Features: The rotunda-style pavilion will house the Community Christmas Tree and an awards ceremony.
• Entertainment: A special performance by a local choir will be featured.
• Activities: Participants can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, Christmas music, crafts, and games.
• Vendors: There may be local vendors to browse from, along with picnic tables for relaxing.

From the first step on the course to the final cup of hot chocolate, The Merriest Night is a community Christmas celebration built around running, family, and the spirit of the season.

Awards

Trophies will be awarded to:

• Top Overall Male Finishers
• Top Overall Female Finishers

Medals will be awarded to:

• Top 3 Male & Female Finishers in each age group

5K Age Groups:

• 14 & Under
• 15-19
• 20-24
• 25-34
• 35-49
• 50-64
• 65+
• Top 5 finishers in the Youth Mile (15 & Under)
• Top 5 finishers in the Mile Walk
• Daisy's Reindeer Run
• Every finisher 8 & Under will receive a finisher's medal.

Race Information

• Raceday Check-In: Begins at 1:15 PM.
• Parking: Park in the main lot: overflow parking is available on entrance drive & street.
• Race Start Times: Daisy’s Reindeer Dash: 2:45 PM, 5K: 3:00 PM, Mile: 3:05 PM.
• Registration: Available for $10 fee per event: cash only.

Race Swag: Register before December 1st to receive the 2026 event swag item at packet pickup.

Hot Chocolate: Every registered participant gets a complimentary cup with their bib.

Course: The Merriest 5K and Mile run through the North Pole Woods at Timber Creek Park.

Timing: The Merriest 5K will be professionally timed with live results by On The Dime Timing.

Note: Bring cash for additional purchases from local vendors, as they may only accept cash payments.

Timing & Results

Timed & Operated By On The Dime Timing

Live results will be available online following the race.

Follow us on Instagram: @onthedimetiming

Questions? Email onthedimetc@yahoo.com