Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5k

Event Overview

• Tradition: The Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5K is celebrating 47 years of holiday tradition!
• Participation: Join runners and walkers of all ages and abilities for this beloved Central Virginia event.
• Younger Participants: The Peaks Junior 1-Mile offers fun for younger participants, too.
• Support: Proceeds support the Bedford Area YMCA’s Financial Aid Program.

Location

• Race HQ: Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523.
• Event Start Times: 5k (Live): 8:30AM: 1 Mile "Junior Peaks": approx. 9:45 AM.

Registration

• 5K Fees: $30 (thru 10/7), $35 (10/8-12/4), $40 Race Day (12/5).
• 1 Mile Fees: $12 (thru 10/7), $15 (10/8-12/5).
• Team Registration: All team members must be signed up before race day: no paper registration is available for this event.
• Refund Policy: Registration fees are non-transferable & non-refundable.

T-Shirts

• Guaranteed: World famous, long sleeve t-shirts are guaranteed to those registered for all 5k and 1 Mile events by November 16th.
• Availability: After November 17th, t-shirts will be available at packet pickup on a first come basis.

Packet Pickup

• Thursday (12/3): 12-6pm at Bedford Area Family YMCA, 1111 Turnpike Rd., Bedford, VA 24523.
• Friday (12/4): 12-6pm at Bedford Area Family YMCA, 1111 Turnpike Rd., Bedford, VA 24523.
• Saturday (12/5): 7:00am - 8:15 am at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523.
• Proxy Pickup: Someone else can pick up your packet for you.

Assisted Participants

• Opportunities: We provide an opportunity for assisted participants to enjoy race day.
• Requirements: Both the participant being pushed and the pusher are required to register for the event.
• Start Time: Assisted participants will start prior to the 5K start.
• Ranking: Assisted participants will be ranked separately from the 5k event.

Awards

• Ceremony: Award ceremony will be held following both 5k and 1 mile events.
• Results: Event results can be found on our RunSignUp page.
• Top Awards: Top 4 Overall M/F, Top Overall Masters M/F, Top 3 in each age group.
• Challenge: $25 RR Gift card to first male and female to reach top of Bedford Memorial hill in a festive costume.

Team Competition

• Options: Individuals can register for the team competition: a minimum of 5 comprises a team.
• Team Registration: Ends on Friday, December 4th at 6:00PM: no team members can be added on race day.
• Awards: Corporate cup will be given to the top team based on the lowest cumulative time of the 5 team members.

Age Groups

• 5K Race Age Groups: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & up.
• Junior 1 Mile Age Groups: 0-5, 6-8, 9-12. Awards ranked on "chip" time.
• Custom Medals: Custom medals will be awarded for age group awards.

Race Course

• Start/Finish: Begins and ends at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood St., Bedford, Virginia 24523.
• Route: Participants for the 5k will follow the Bedford Loop as in years past.
• Details: Proceeds raised will support scholarships to low and fixed-income families, seniors, and individuals for YMCA programs.

More Information

• Race URL: Peaks of Otter Christmas Classic 5K
• Date: December 5, 2026