The Rudolph Run 2026
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Start time
- 9:00 AM start (New York)
- Location
- Strasburg, Ohio
- Entry fee
- From $20 · goes up to $40 on Dec 12, 2026
- Included with entry
- Includes a shirt
- Fundraising
- Takes optional donations when you register
Registration is open.
We earn a small commission when you register through this link, at no cost to you. Details
Official race websiteAdd to calendar: Apple or Outlook · Google
Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Run/Walk | 8K | Dec 12, 20269:00 AM | $35$40 after Dec 12, 2026 | – |
| Shirt Only | – | Dec 12, 20269:00 AM | $20 | – |
| 1 Mile Fun Run Take Off | Kids | Dec 12, 20269:05 AM | $25$30 after Dec 12, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The 8K fee goes up to $40 on Dec 12, 2026.
Race day planning
Entry fee schedule
- 5K Run/Walk: $35 until Dec 11, then $40 until Dec 12.
- Shirt Only: $20 until Nov 29.
- 1 Mile Fun Run Take Off: $25 until Dec 11, then $30 until Dec 12.
Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.
How the price compares
At $35, entry is about the same as a typical 8K in Ohio ($35).
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:40 AM, and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:00 AM. The start sits about 1,010 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools, Strasburg, OH 44680
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
2025 results
All results (2 years)Aggregated from official results (RacePenguin) for The Rudolph Run. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
How fast do you need to be at The Rudolph Run?
In 2025, the fastest tenth finished in 24:22 or better, the top quarter in 28:43, and half the field in 32:09; the last tenth came in after 53:55.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 25:35 | 30:23 |
| 20-29 | 27:36 | 22:05 |
| 30-39 | 28:05 | 28:48 |
| 40-49 | 34:19 | 31:01 |
| 50-59 | 30:38 | 27:27 |
| 60-69 | 42:19 | n/a |
Groups with fewer than five finishers are left out. Awards vary by race; check the race's rules.
What would my time get me?
Where a finish time would have placed in 2025.
Finishers by year
About the same size since 2024.
All events combined, from official results.
The Rudolph Run 8K year by year
From 2024 to 2025, the field went from 134 to 129 finishers, and the median time dropped from 32:50 to 32:09.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 129 (-4%) | 32:09 | under 24:22 | 19:47 |
| 2024 | 134 | 32:50 | under 23:30 | 17:36 |
From each year's official results for the 8K; virtual options are left out.
Typical race-day weather
Around December 12 the day usually runs from 29°F at dawn to 42°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 24% of days. Cold snaps dip to 17°F and hot years reach 54°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.
Race details
- Where
- Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools, Strasburg, OH 44680Map
- Course
- Road
- Start elevation
- About 1,010 feet
- Results posted by the race
- Race Day Results
- Included with entry
- T-Shirt
- Donations
- Accepted when you register
- Distances
- 8K, Kids
- Editions
- 2026 (Dec 12, 2026), 2025 (Dec 13, 2025), 2024 (Dec 14, 2024)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Plan your race
Quick answers
- When is The Rudolph Run?
- Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- Entry starts at $20 before processing fees, and rises to $40 on Dec 12, 2026.
- When does registration close?
- Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.
- Is the entry fee high for Ohio?
- At $35, entry is about the same as a typical 8K in Ohio ($35).
- Do runners get a shirt or medal?
- Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
- Can I donate to a cause when I register?
- Yes. The registration form offers an optional donation, usually for the charity or nonprofit the race supports. The race's own page names the cause.
- What distances can I run?
- 8K, Kids.
- How big is it, and how fast?
- In 2025, 129 runners finished the 5K Run/Walk; the median finish was 32:09 and the winner ran 19:47.
- Where does it start?
- Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools, Strasburg, OH 44680.
From the organizers
Join us for the 5th Annual Rudolph Run 5k and Fun Walk! All proceeds benefit the students at Strasburg Elementary School. In addition to top overall winners, we will also have prizes in both Men's and Women's divisions in age groups. There will be raffles for Christmas Cash, and prizes for the best dressed runner. Don't forget your 4-legged dog friends as there will be a prize for the most festive Christmas themed dog as well!
Medals:
All finishers will receive Medals that will be designed from artwork from one of our talented students!
Cash for Christmas Raffle: