Stockton Santa Dash! 5K & 10K

Stockton Santa Dash! 5K & 10K takes place in Stockton, California, on December 5, 2026. Two formats share a 9:00 AM start: a 10K (6.2 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles). Both are road distances, and the mid-morning gun time makes for a relaxed December Saturday rather than an early alarm, which is part of the appeal of a holiday-themed event like this one.

Pick the 5K if you are new to racing or coming back from a break, since three to six weeks of regular easy running will get you to the line ready. The 10K asks a bit more: aim for a weekly long run of five to six miles and one tempo effort a week for a couple of months beforehand. Northern California in December usually means cool, comfortable running weather, so dress for the start rather than for the middle of the race and shed layers at the bag drop.