Registration is open.
We earn a small commission when you register through this link, at no cost to you. Details
Add to calendar: Apple or Outlook · Google
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fun Run/Walk (Untimed, approx .75 miles) | Kids | Dec 12, 202610:10 AM | $16.50$20 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
| 5k Run/Walk -TIMED and Scored | 5K | Dec 12, 202610:15 AM | $30$35 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The Kids fee goes up to $20 on Oct 1, 2026.
Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.
At $30, entry is about 14 percent below a typical 5K in Colorado, which costs $35 right now.
A typical finisher at a 5K in Thornton runs 36:31, about 11:45 a mile, based on 3 races with published results. Women typically finish in 41:33 and men in 33:28.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:11 AM, and the Fun Run/Walk (Untimed, approx .75 miles) starts at 10:10 AM. The start sits about 5,210 feet above sea level, high enough that most runners from lower ground run noticeably slower.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
3498 E 112th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. Course maps are the organizers' own.
Aggregated from official results (3W Races) for WinterFest 5k & Fun Run. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2025, the fastest tenth finished in 24:20 or better, the top quarter in 29:29, and half the field in 36:31; the last tenth came in after 56:45.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 22:03 | 19:32 |
| 20-29 | 28:26 | 22:12 |
| 30-39 | 28:01 | 19:49 |
| 40-49 | 25:45 | 22:32 |
| 50-59 | 34:37 | 25:07 |
| 60-69 | 31:55 | 30:16 |
| 70+ | 41:05 | n/a |
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 9 percent since 2022.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2022 to 2025, the field went from 300 to 326 finishers, and the median time dropped from 37:53 to 36:31.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 326 (+5%) | 36:31 | under 24:20 | 17:06 |
| 2024 | 311 (-5%) | 36:26 | under 24:07 | 18:05 |
| 2023 | 326 (+9%) | 36:43 | under 24:56 | 18:08 |
| 2022 | 300 | 37:53 | under 26:04 | 17:18 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
About average for Colorado 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2025 5K field finished under 29:29, against 29:40 in a typical Colorado 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 12 the day usually runs from 25°F at dawn to 48°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 3% of days. Cold snaps dip to 18°F and hot years reach 62°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 WinterFest 5k & Fun Run cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
Date: Thursday Dec 10, 2026. Time: 4-7pm. Location: Road Runner Sports Westminster. Address: 10442 Town Center Dr, Ste 300, Westminster, CO 80021. APPU FAQs: Yes, you can pick up for a friend or send someone to pick up for you! Yes, we…
Schedule and packet pickup
Want to win some cool stuff including 3W Races vouchers, gift cards, and gear from sponsors? Bring 5 or more items to donate to Food for Hope on race day and you'll be entered into the exclusive race day raffle!! Drop off items before you…
Schedule and packet pickup
9:15 until race start- Race Day Registration/ Late Packet Pick-Up. 10:10- Fun Run/Walk Start. 10:15- 5K Start. 11:00- Post-Race Awards. 11:25- Finish Line Closes; enjoy Winterfest on the field!
Schedule and packet pickup
Compliments of the City of Thornton, all registered racers (21+) get ONE FREE BEER in the beer garden after the event! - Redeemable on RACE DAY only until 2 PM.
Course
5k COURSE: Lollipop course with a shared start and finish area at the north end of the Carpenter Park campus. Course Surface: Mostly concrete with small section of dirt/crushed gravel. We will run in any and all conditions…
Shirt and medal
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Kick off the holiday season with a spirited run/walk at Thornton's Carpenter Park. Choose from the chip-timed 5k, or experience the festive atmosphere in a shorter distance in our untimed Fun Run/Walk.
Stick around after for the festival, including Ice skating, Holiday Marketplace, Santa visits, and the Heated Beer Garden.
Celebrate the Best of Winter in Thornton, Colorado. You'll enjoy a warm drink at the finish line in your festive collectible mug.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For details about this event, click on the menu options under "Race Info" or scroll to the very bottom of this page for links to other pages on this site.