In 41 days · Sat, Dec 5, 2026
Don't let race day sneak up
One email during race week. That's it.
Saturday, December 5th, 2026
18 Main St South, Bethlehem CT
5K
28–42°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 4 of the last 10 years
2025
6–27°F
dry
2024
29–37°F
rain
2023
30–40°F
dry
2022
26–45°F
dry
2021
29–43°F
dry
2020
35–43°F
rain
2019
24–37°F
dry
2018
21–35°F
dry
2017
39–55°F
rain
2016
30–44°F
rain
Best months to race in Connecticut →
About this race
Santa Made Me Do It! is a 5K road race, 2 mile walk and 1/4-mile kids fun run on December 5, 2026 in Bethlehem, CT. This race is organized by The First Mile and will be held in conjunction with the Bethlehem Christmastown Festival.
Location and parking
The race starts in front of the Memorial Hall on the Bethlehem Town Green.
Parking will be at the Bethlehem Fair Grounds, 384 Main St North, Bethlehem, CT. Shuttle buses will bring runners and spectators to the Town Green beginning at 8:30 AM. The shuttle buses will run continuously throughout the day, so runners and their families can stay after the race and check out the festival.
There will NOT be parking available at the Green and the road will be closed to traffic. Runners may also be dropped off at the Green.
Race Day Information
The 5K race and 2 mile walk start together at 10 AM. There is a free kids' fun run at 9:30 AM.
Packet pick-up and day-of-race registration starting at 8:30 AM on the Town Green in front of Memorial Hall.
Awards: Overall Male/Female/Non-Binary 5K finishers. Top three in the 5K in the following age groups: 6 and under, 7-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Registration
Pre-Registration: $30 Race Day Registration: $35
Kids 12 and Under: $15
T-Shirts for everyone registered by midnight Sunday, November 29th, 2026 (Must be present to receive)
Free Santa Made Me Do It 2026 Ornaments for the first 200 registered.
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Bethlehem to train with before race day.
Suggested Races
Organize this race?
Claim it free to manage your listing — and get it featured for free, while spots last.