Upper Cumberland Foster Closet Santa Run 5k

Upper Cumberland Foster Closet Santa Run 5k is held in Cookeville, Tennessee, on December 19, 2026. The Mini Claus Mile goes first at 8:00 a.m., and the Santa Run 5K (3.1 miles) follows at 8:30 a.m. The half-hour gap between the two is deliberate: a child can run the mile and still be at the start line, or on the sidewalk cheering, when the 5K sets off. Both formats are open to runners and walkers.

For families, the mile-then-5K pairing is the easiest way to get everyone racing on the same morning without anyone standing around for hours. Adults chasing a time on the 5K should use the mile start as a cue to begin warming up. And if you are coming back from a break, three or four weeks of easy running three times a week is enough to cover 3.1 miles comfortably.