Paw Paw Rotary 5K Santa Run

The Paw Paw Area Rotary Club is hosting its 15th Annual 5K Santa Run and 1- Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Freshwater Community Church in Paw Paw.  Proceeds from the Run will be used to support the Rotary Club’s efforts both locally & worldwide. 

Each participant will receive a 5-piece Santa suit to wear during the Run/Walk (kids under 12 receive a free Santa hat). A $100 donation will be made to Rotary International's WASH program on behalf of the men's and the women's 1st place runners.  Rotary's WASH initiative works to bring clean water, sanitation and hygiene programs worldwide to communities in need. 

The Santa Run is a popular community event enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.  Enjoy our pre-run party with live music, treats, and time to visit with friends. To add to the fun, we'll again provide face painting before the run. The race kicks off at 9 am when you will help fill the town with Christmas cheer as one of over 100 Santas running through downtown Paw Paw!

Onsite registration and sign-in for the event:  7:30—8:30 AM
5K Run & Walk 9:00 AM
Fun Walk 9:05 AM

$25 - Early online registration:  Online registration runs thru 5 PM Wednesday, December 9th, 2026.
$30 - Onsite registration day of event:  After 5 PM Wednesday, December 9th, 2026, online registration will be closed.                                                                                                        Please register on site on the day of the event starting at 7:30 AM. 
FREE - Children under 12 years of age.  Children receive a free Santa Hat. 

Everyone’s a winner!  The purpose of this event is to provide a fun and family-friendly community run that everyone can enjoy. Every Santa who participates is a winner whether they're just there for a fun-run, or working to beat a personal record. In addition to receiving a Santa suit, a medal will be presented to each person who completes the Santa Run. 

This event is NOT timed.

Early arrival on the day of the event is encouraged! Event and onsite registration will be at Freshwater Community Church, 600 East Michigan Avenue in Paw Paw. Doors open at 7:30 AM.  Pick up your Santa suit and enjoy live holiday music. To add to the fun, face painting will again be provided. And don't forget to come back in to pick up a healthy snack after the race. 

The run will be canceled by 7:30 a.m. on race day if the weather is too severe. There will be no refunds.

*Dogs are not allowed on the course.

*All walkers and participants with strollers will be required to wait until all runners have crossed the start line.

Get into the holiday spirit & sign up for the run TODAY!