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, with so many after-race festivities to enjoy! 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. Every participant will receive race swag, a cup of delicious complementary cocoa, and holiday magic with their registration.  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! Want some extra fun? Wear your festive apparel to the race for a chance to win a prize in Daisy's Dashing Dress-Up Contest 

🎅 Our Three Races

The Merriest 5K
Open to runners of all ages

Experience Timber Creek Park's North Pole Woods during an evening Christmas 5K. The course winds through the park's wooded paths and scenic surroundings, with Christmas decorations and holiday touches incorporated throughout the course.  The North Pole Woods lead runners toward the festive finish line, marked by a large Christmas inflatable arch, lights & decor located directly beside the rotunda pavilion. Whats even better? Every participant gets a complimentary cup of hot cocoa from Travelin' Toms Coffee Truck! Whether you're chasing a fast time, competing for an age-group award, or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate the season, The Merriest 5K is the main event of the evening.

The Merriest Mile
For runners 15 & Under and walkers of all ages

The Merriest Mile provides a shorter option for younger runners and anyone who would rather walk the course. Participants will make their way through the North Pole Woods, taking in the Christmas atmosphere and decorations along the route before finishing beneath the Christmas inflatable arch. 

Daisy's Reindeer Run
For children 8 & Under

Daisy the Dime has gathered her reindeer friends for a special holiday challenge! Our youngest participants will take on a 200-meter run before the evening's main races begin. Every participant will receive a pair of reindeer antlers to race in & a finisher medal for crossing the finish!

  Festivities Admissions:  

Are you a community member who wants to see what The Merriest Night offers? Buy a festivities pass to enjoy an amazing night of holiday joy! Featuring a live traditional christmas musician, craft vendors, and more!  Family members of participants do not have to purchase this pass.

🎄 The Merriest Night Festivities
The celebration continues after the races!

The rotunda-style pavilion will serve as the centerpiece of the evening. After finishing the race, participants will be handed an ornament which they can customize for the tree-lighting ceremony. After all Participants have finished the race, the tree-lighting ceremony will begin, which will be followed by the awards ceremony. From there, the evenings' true festivities will begin! Participants can grab a bite to eat or a cup of cocoa, browse craft vendors on The North Pole Mainstreet, or partake in mini-games or crafts, and sit down & eat with christmas music playing at the larger check-in pavilion. There will even be a live performance from an impressive local musician! As darkness settles in, participants can settle down and watch a classic Christmas movie (everyone is encouraged to bring a comfy change of clothes & a blanket!!)

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

WEAR YOUR FESTIVE ATTIRE! WINNERS OF THE COSTUME CONTEST WILL ALSO RECEIVE 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 at the time of finish.

🏃 Race Information

Raceday Check-In: Begins at 1:30PM

Primary Raceday Parking: Park in the main parking lot and proceed to the large pavilion for check-in. Overflow parking will be located along the entrance drive & street parking at the Taylor Avenue Fields. 

Race Start Times: Daisy’s Reindeer Dash: 3:00 pm start 5K: 3:15 pm start. Mile: 3:20pm Start

Raceday Registration: Available for an additional $10 fee per event. CASH ONLY.

Race Swag: Participants who register before December 1st will receive the complimentary 2026 event swag item at packet pickup. The item will be revealed on November 1st.

Hot Chocolate: Every registered participant will receive one complimentary cup of specialty hot chocolate with their bib.

Course: The Merriest 5K and The Merriest Mile will 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.

 PLEASE NOTE: Any additional purchases from our partnered beverage or local craft vendors will be operating under cash only payment methods unless otherwise designated by the business themself so come prepared!

⏱️ Timing & Results
Timed & Operated By On The Dime Timing

www.onthedimetiming.com

Live results will be available online following the race.

Follow us on Instagram: @onthedimetiming

Questions? Email [email protected]