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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Santa Run | 5K | Dec 13, 20263:00 PM | $40$45 after Oct 10, 2026 | – |
| 5K Santa's Helper | 5K | Dec 13, 20263:00 PM | $200 | – |
| Holiday Hero - Gold | 5K | Dec 13, 20263:00 PM | $1000 | – |
| Holiday Hero - Silver | 5K | Dec 13, 20263:00 PM | $500 | – |
| Kids Reindeer Dash (Ages 2 - 7) | Kids | Dec 13, 20264:30 PM | $20$25 after Oct 10, 2026 | – |
| VIRTUAL 5K Santa RunVirtual | 5K | Dec 13, 202612:00 PM | $40$45 after Oct 10, 2026 | – |
| VIRTUAL Kids Reindeer DashVirtual | Kids | Dec 13, 202612:00 PM | $20$25 after Oct 10, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The 5K fee goes up to $45 on Oct 10, 2026.
Online registration closes Dec 13, 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 San Jose runs 36:56, about 11:53 a mile, based on 13 races with published results. Women typically finish in 40:42 and men in 33:15.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:12 AM, and the 5K Santa Run starts at 3:00 PM. The start sits about 110 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
W Santa Clara St and Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA 95113
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 for Silicon Valley Santa Run. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2025, the fastest tenth finished in 25:07 or better, the top quarter in 29:55, and half the field in 37:42; the last tenth came in after 58:20.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 22:42 | 17:07 |
| 20-29 | 21:13 | 18:01 |
| 30-39 | 22:46 | 18:15 |
| 40-49 | 23:23 | 19:41 |
| 50-59 | 23:29 | 20:58 |
| 60-69 | 26:16 | 23:32 |
| 70+ | 31:31 | 26:41 |
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.
About the same size since 2023.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2023 to 2025, the field went from 2,635 to 2,666 finishers, and the median time rose from 37:13 to 37:42.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2,666 (same) | 37:42 | under 25:07 | 16:30 |
| 2024 | 2,667 (+1%) | 36:56 | under 24:56 | 15:47 |
| 2023 | 2,635 | 37:13 | under 25:00 | 15:35 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
About average for California 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2025 5K field finished under 29:55, against 30:43 in a typical California 5K, so times here are about average.
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 13 the day usually runs from 43°F at dawn to 57°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 23% of days. Cold snaps dip to 36°F and hot years reach 63°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 Silicon Valley Santa Run cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
Packet Pickup, hosted by Sports Basement Almaden (5353 Almaden Expressway in San Jose), will be held Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13 from 12 - 5 pm. Enjoy participant discounts on any Sports Basement purchase when you come in…
Schedule and packet pickup
Please note the new start time at 3 pm! RACE DAY TIMELINE. 1:30 pm - Bib & shirt pickup and gear check begins at San Jose Chamber of Commerce (101 West Santa Clara St). 2:15 pm - Costume contest judging at start line (189 West Santa Clara…
Schedule and packet pickup
You would love to be involved in the race but not as a runner or walker? Join the 2025 Santa Run Silicon Valley as a volunteer by signing up here.
Rules and FAQ
REGISTRATION. WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH THE REGISTRATION FEE? With your registration, you will receive our holiday-themed tech race shirt and bib. Finishers will receive an ornament-style medal. ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS? No. There are no…
Rules and FAQ
Friendship pays off! Refer four friends to join you at the Santa Run for a $20 refund when they register using your referral link. Keep it up until you're running for free! Just share your unique referral link* with your friends and family…
The cause
The Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation produces three annual races that support local non-profits and organizations. Check out our events! Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot. Santa Run Silicon Valley. Lam Research Heart &…
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Join us for the 15th Annual Silicon Valley Santa Run, benefiting Christmas in the Park!
This 5K Run/Walk is holiday fun for the whole family. You can dress up as your favorite holiday character or tradition, then make your way through San Jose for a festive afternoon celebrating the most wonderful time of the year! The flat, fast course begins on Santa Clara St. and concludes at Christmas in the Park, where you can enjoy the decorations and booths with your friends and family.