Name: Santa's Run Fest
Start: 2026-12-19
End: 2026-12-19
Location: Winter Haven

About the Event

Winter Haven Optimist Club proudly presents the Santa's Run Fest - A Run for Our Kids. Choose a 15k, 10k or 5k and sign the kids up for the Kid Dashes!

Winter Haven is a beautiful city of approximately 49,000 friendly folks. As the Chamber of Commerce mentions, "To some we're the perfect haven from the harsh winter months up North, and to others we are the opportunity to be involved in a town with over 55 lakes to enjoy with fantastic sunrises and sunsets over the water" ...AND an absolutely superb terrain for running.

This years 15k, 10k and 5k Course will run an out and back course on the Chain of Lakes Trail in Winter Haven (to Lake Alfred for the 15K). The courses include gentle rises, enough to cause pressure for the advanced competitors but not so much to frustrate the average person.

Runners will receive a custom shirt (Shirts and sizes will be available while supplies last), a custom bib, and a finisher medal when you cross the line on race day!

Runners may optionally create and join teams to compete for the Largest team and to compete against each other in the 5k race for the Fastest team in one of three categories: 1. Family Team; 2. Corporate Team; 3. Social/Church/School Team
There are 2 trophies in each category: Largest Team (by number of runners who compete) and Fastest Team (by the top 3 finishing times on the team - 5K only).

Early Race Packet Pickup - Friday, December 18, 2026

4:00-7:00 pm - In The Breezeway of The Winter Haven Chamber Of Commerce Building - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

Day of Race - Saturday, December 19, 2026

START LOCATION! Next To The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Building on 4th Street NW & Ave B NW - 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881

6:00 am - Race Packet Pickup and Day of race registration

7:00 am - 15k Start

7:15 am - 10k Start

7:30 am - 5k Start

8:30 am - Awards Ceremony for the 5K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)

8:45 am - Awards Ceremony for the 10K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)

9:15 am - Awards Ceremony for the 15K (Approx Time) (Please check your times in the kiosks for unofficial results after you finish your race)

9:00-9:15 am - Approx. start for the Kids' Sprints

1.6 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

11.3 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Low (2.4)

humidity_mid Humidity

78.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

08:10

nightlight Sunset

18:34

About Winter Haven

Learn more about the host city, Winter Haven.

Winter Haven is the second largest city in Polk County, Florida. The city was an agricultural center, but in the 1990s and 2000s, it has become a largely residential and manufacturing city. Winter Haven is home to Legoland and the "Chain of Lakes".