Santa's Run Fest

🎅 Santa's Run Fest Overview

Winter Haven Optimist Club proudly presents the Santa's Run Fest - A Run for Our Kids. Choose a 15k (new in 2025!), 10k or 5k and sign then kids up for the Kid Dashes!

🏞️ About Winter Haven

Winter Haven is a beautiful city of approximately 35,000 friendly folks. As the Chamber of Commerce mentions, "To some we're the perfect haven from the harsh winter months up North, and to others we are the opportunity to be involved in a town with over 55 lakes to enjoy with fantastic sunrises and sunsets over the water"...AND an absolutely superb terrain for running.

🏁 The Course

• Course Type: This years 15k, 10k and 5k Course will run an out and back course on the Chain of Lakes Trail in Winter Haven (to Lake Alfred for the 15K).
• Elevation: The courses include gentle rises, enough to cause pressure for the advanced competitors but not so much to frustrate the average person.
• Scenic Route: Runners will enjoy beautiful surroundings along the Chain of Lakes.
• Multiple Distances: Participating in multiple races enhances the fun and challenge!

🎽 Participant Perks

• Custom Shirt: Runners will receive a custom shirt (Shirts and sizes are guaranteed if pre-registered before November 23, 2025, after this date, shirts will be available while supplies last).
• Finisher Medal: A finisher medal when you cross the line on race day!
• Race Packets: Will include goodies from race sponsors.
• Custom Bib: Each runner will receive a custom bib on race day.

🏆 Team Competition

Runners may optionally create and join teams to compete for the Largest team and to compete against each other in the 5k race for the Fastest team in one of three categories:

• Family Team: Gather your relatives for some healthy competition.
• Corporate Team: Team up with colleagues and represent your workplace.
• Social/Church/School Team: Unite your community group for a fun challenge.

There are 2 trophies in each category: Largest Team (by number of runners who compete) and Fastest Team (by the top 3 finishing times on the team - 5K only).

📅 Race Date and Location

Early Race Packet Pickup:

4:00-7:00 pm - In The Breezeway of The Winter Haven Chamber Of Commerce Building - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Day of Race:

START LOCATION! Next to The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Building on 4th Street NW & Ave B NW - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

6:00 am - Race Packet Pickup and Day of race registration

7:00 am - 15k Start

7:15 am - 10k Start

7:30 am - 5k Start

🏅 Awards Ceremony

8:30 am - Awards Ceremony for the 5K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)

8:45 am - Awards Ceremony for the 10K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)

9:15 am - Awards Ceremony for the 15K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)

9:00-9:15 am - Approx. start for the Kids races

🔗 More Information

For more details and to register, visit the official race page: Santa's Run Fest.