Updated for 2022
Take a break from holiday shopping and participate in one of the holiday races being held in Los Angeles and all over Southern California. Whether you’re up for a Marathon, a Half-Marathon, or just one of the many 5K Runs or Los Angeles Fun Runs, we’ve got your list here.
Many of these Races and Fun Runs are family-friendly, with short distances for even the youngest kids, plus most of these runs have a charity component, meaning you’re doing a good deed while you stay fit.
At Thanksgiving time you can find plenty of Turkey Trot Races in SoCal, and of course there are also Christmas Runs you can enter. From Pomona to Santa Monica, check out all the Los Angeles Holiday Races.
Christmas Runs in Los Angeles and SoCal
Holiday Half Marathon + 5K/10K/Kids Penguin Run
Pomona Fairplex, Pomona, CA
1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Come be part of the Annual Holiday Half Marathon & 5K happening on Saturday and Sunday, December 10th-11th! “From snow falling at the start line to huge holiday character inflatables, holiday carolers, and festive participant shirts – this event has everything you need to start the season off right!” It’s something the whole family can participate in – the Penguin Waddle is a one-mile-long course taking kids (12 and younger) through Bonelli Park. Registration information is available online.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk For Arthritis
Inland Empire and Orange County
Help raise money for arthritis research by joining this virtual run. Participants are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit by attaching jingle bells to your shoelaces or wearing a holiday-themed costume. Get more info online.
Homeless for the Holidays – 5K Run/2.5K Walk
Griffith Park – Crystal Springs Equestrian Trail
4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Pennies From Kevan Foundation is hosting their Homeless for the Holidays – 5K Run/2.5K Walk. Find registration information online. Dates are to be announced.
Ontario 5K Reindeer Run and Rudolph’s Dash
Ontario, CA
The City of Ontario presents its Annual 5K Reindeer Run and Rudolph’s Dash on Saturday, December 17th. Proceeds from the race will be donated to the “City’s Empowerment Scholarship, which gives Ontario community members from low-income backgrounds the opportunity to participate in recreation activities, classes, and programs that will enrich their lives.” Rudolph’s Dash is a shorter course designed for children and/or families and children to participate with together. There will also be exercise activities and craft booths in Rudolph’s Roundup area. Registration information is available online
14th Annual Santa to the Sea
Oxnard, CA
The 14th Annual Santa to the Sea is happening on Saturday, December 11th. There are opportunities for the whole family to participate including a half marathon, a two-person half marathon relay, 1K Kids Fun Run, 5K Run/Walk, Costume Contest, Toy Drive, Finish Line Festival and Holiday Marketplace, and more.
Holly Jolly Half Marathon 5K 10K
Pleasant Valley Fields Park
150 Westpark Ct, Camarillo, CA
Mark your calendars for the Holly Jolly Half Marathon 5K 10K happening on Sunday, December 18th. This is a walker-friendly course happening over mostly flat terrain. And don’t forget – prizes will be awarded for the best holiday costumes so get creative! Participants are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Details are available online.
Run for a Claus 5K and 1 Mile
UCIrvine
The 2021 Run for a Claus is happening on Saturday, December 10th. “When you run for a Claus, you run for a Cause.” This event will benefit The Salvation Army and Kids Run The OC. There is a one mile Kids Run, and for families who prefer, there is also a virtual option available. Don’t forget to bring a toy to participate in the toy drive. Registration information is available online.
Charlie Brown Christmas Virtual Run
Anytime during the month of December families can participate in the Charlie Brown Christmas Virtual Run. This is a great way to get moving while doing it on your schedule. Sign-up information is available online. This is a popular event, with participants joining in from all around the world.
32nd Annual Holiday Classic Half Marathon 5K and Elves Trot
Loma Linda Civic Center, Loma Linda, CA
The City of Loma Linda and The Lopers present the 32nd Annual Holiday Classic Half Marathon 5K and Elves Trot on Sunday, December 11th. “The Holiday Classic is the Inland Empire’s largest annual holiday running event and a local tradition for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.” The Elves Trot is designed for children ages 3-6. There is a pancake breakfast at the completion of the event. A virtual race option is also available. Details can be found online.
Run in the New Year 5K/10K/Half Marathon
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Start the New Year off by participating in the Run in the New Year 5K/10K/Half Marathon happening in Huntington Beach on Saturday, December 31st, 2022. “Write a New Year resolution on the back of your bib and run, jog, or walk it into the New Year. It’s a beach party, New Year’s Themed run on paved path watching and listening to the surf.” And if you prefer, there is also a virtual run option. Details can found on the website.
Santa Runs Griffith Park
Griffith Park
The 1st Annual Santa Runs Griffith Park 5K/10K and trek through the beautiful & historic Griffith Park located in the heart of Los Angeles on December 10, 2022 along with hundreds of other Santas. Visit the registration page for more event info!
Cozy Christmas – 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Race
4730 Crystal Springs Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027
What better way to celebrate Christmas than by gathering with your friends in the running community at the beautiful beaches on December 25th, 2022? Santa will be tired from a long night of work so we doubt he will join us, let him know you appreciate all he does by joining the St. Nick costume contest. The winner gets a free entry to a future event.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
