The 2026 PAL Holiday Run in Rancho Cordova, California, returns on December 12th. This event offers a mix of distances including the popular 5K for adults and youth, plus a Family Walk/Run suitable for all ages.
Race morning finds participants gathering at Rancho Cordova Park, located off Sierra Madre Boulevard near the intersection with F Street in East Sacramento. The park provides a picturesque setting with open fields and trees, offering a scenic backdrop to your run or walk.
For its 12th year running, this event has become a community tradition, drawing hundreds of participants who come together for both physical exercise and charitable giving. This year, organizers will be collecting unwrapped toys for youth in the Rancho Cordova area, encouraging families to bring donations along with their race bibs.
The course venue is primarily on firm and slightly soft trail conditions, which can vary based on recent rainfall levels. The 10K adult and youth routes start at Rancho Cordova Park and wind through nearby neighborhoods before heading back for the finish line. Elevation changes are minimal, but there will be one aid station along each route to keep you fueled.
Weather predictions suggest a cool morning with an average temperature of about 9.5 degrees Celsius, ranging from as low as 5.8C to a maximum of 13.3C by the afternoon. The humidity is expected to hover around 87%, which can make conditions feel cooler than they actually are. Wind will be steady at about 7.5 km/h, with some risk of light rain, amounting to just over half a centimeter.
1.2 mile Family Walk/Run (Untimed)
1mi • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $23.39
10K Adult
10km • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $39.44
10K Youth
10km • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $23.39
5K Adult
5km • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $39.44
5K Youth
5km • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $23.39
10K Adult | 6.2 miles (10km) | fee=$39.44
10K Youth | 6.2 miles (10km) | fee=$23.39
5K Adult | 3.1 miles (5km) | fee=$39.44
5K Youth | 3.1 miles (5km) | fee=$23.39
1.2 mile Family Walk/Run | Untimed | fee=$23.39
To register for the event, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/117722/2026-rancho-cordova-pal-holiday-run. Registration fees range from $23.39 to $39.44 and are due by November 30th.
Bibs can be picked up on December 10 at the Rancho Cordova Community Center between 5 PM and 8 PM, or you can request mail-in pickup for a small fee. Make sure to bring your race number, proof of age if under 18, and any medications you might need during the event.
The start location is at Rancho Cordova Park off Sierra Madre Boulevard in East Sacramento. For first-timers, ensure you arrive early on December 12th with all necessary documentation and a positive attitude to enjoy this community-focused race.
This year's PAL Holiday Run in Rancho Cordova offers not just exercise but also the opportunity to contribute to local youth through toy donations. The event is worth attending for both its historical significance and the chance to experience the natural beauty of Rancho Cordova on foot or by bike, all while supporting a good cause.
