Santa’s Reindeer Run - 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon

Santa’s Reindeer Run - 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon takes place on December 20, 2026, at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach, California. The half marathon (13.1 miles) opens the morning at 7:30 a.m., the 10K (6.2 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) follow together at 8:30 a.m., and the Reindeer Romp 1-Miler closes the schedule at 9:00 a.m. A holiday costume contest, festive medals, treats at the finish and free photos come with the day, which is put together as much for walkers and families as for racers.

The staggered starts have a practical use: you can run your own distance and then join a friend or a child on a shorter one. A coastal setting lends itself to even pacing, which is worth using if the half marathon is serving as a rehearsal for a spring goal. The mile needs no particular preparation beyond something warm to pull on before and after.