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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elf Dash | Other | Dec 19, 20268:20 AM | $15$20 after Nov 1, 2026 | – |
| 5K | 5K | Dec 19, 20268:30 AM | $40$45 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The Other fee goes up to $20 on Nov 1, 2026.
Online registration closes Dec 19, 2026, unless the race fills first.
At $40, entry is about the same as a typical 5K in California ($37).
A typical finisher at a 5K in Palm Springs runs 39:28, about 12:42 a mile, based on 4 races with published results. Women typically finish in 42:15 and men in 36:14.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:46 AM, and the Elf Dash starts at 8:20 AM. The start sits about 660 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
332 W. Alejo Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Aggregated from official results (Ready, Set... Time!) for Santa Runs Palm Springs. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2025, the fastest tenth finished in 24:10 or better, the top quarter in 29:04, and half the field in 36:28; the last tenth came in after 57:34.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 23:33 | 16:44 |
| 20-29 | 23:34 | 22:04 |
| 30-39 | 24:10 | 21:06 |
| 40-49 | 25:14 | 22:17 |
| 50-59 | 28:09 | 22:54 |
| 60-69 | 30:14 | 25:52 |
| 70+ | 33:13 | 33:13 |
Groups with fewer than five finishers are left out. Awards vary by race; check the race's rules.
Where a finish time would have placed in 2025.
Up 37 percent since 2024.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2024 to 2025, the field went from 467 to 641 finishers, and the median time dropped from 38:27 to 36:28.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 641 (+37%) | 36:28 | under 24:10 | 15:22 |
| 2024 | 467 | 38:27 | under 23:45 | 15:27 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
Faster than most California 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2025 5K field finished under 29:04, against 30:43 in a typical California 5K, so times here run 5 percent faster.
Compares the fastest quarter of each field, so walkers and first-timers do not skew it. It reflects the course and the field together: a flat course, cool weather, or a competitive crowd all make times faster.
Around December 19 the day usually runs from 51°F at dawn to 65°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 16% of days. Cold snaps dip to 41°F and hot years reach 75°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
What the organizers of Santa Runs Palm Springs cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
You can still drop by and register in person at packet pickup! Location: Ruth Hardy Park parking lot at 700 Tamarisk Road, Palm Springs 92262. Dates: Friday, December 19th from 11AM - 4PM. Packet pick up and late registration will also be…
Course
Follow a fast and flat course (well, mostly flat.there is one little hill, but then the downhill to the finish is awesome!) beginning in the Temple Isaiah parking lot at 332 West Alejo Rd., Palm Springs and following a quiet and scenic…
Parking and travel
Plenty of free parking is available on the streets east of the venue as well as a public lot on Alejo just west of Palm Canyon.
Awards
Finisher medals presented to all registered participants at finish line. Division Medals presented to first 3 men and women in each age division in 5 year increments through 85+. Award to top 3 male and female finishers overall. Award to…
Rules and FAQ
Will there be a bag check available? Unfortunately, we will not have a bag check available for this event. Are dogs allowed on this run? Absolutely! We just ask that you keep your dogs on a leash and that you clean up after them! Are…
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
We're excited to announce that the Santa Paws 5K is now the Santa Runs Palm Springs! The event you all love with a new twist!
This unique 5K event invites every participant to be Santa Claus! Each registered participant will receive a full Santa suit to wear during the event, which you can then keep.
Join us to run, walk, or stroll the 5K (3.1-mile) route. Strollers and dogs are welcome to participate!
For children 10 and under, we offer a 200-meter Elf Dash. Entry for the children's event is $15 and includes a finisher medal.
Everyone is welcome—runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs—for a morning filled with holiday cheer and plenty of Ho! Ho! Ho's!