Race Info | Visit Mandan

Race Information
Santa Run 5K

The Santa Run 5K

Everyone 13 and older runs or walks a 5K in a Santa suit (included in your race packet) in downtown Mandan on Saturday, December 12th.
- Well-behaved pets are allowed to participate in the Santa Run
The course will start and finish on Main St. next to Dykshoorn Park, highlighted by the glow of the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main.

Schedule of Events

Friday - December 11, 2026

Saturday - December 12, 2026

11AM - 3PM: Race Check-In and Packet Pick-Up in the Mandan Progress Org Office (411 West Main St, Mandan, ND 58554)
1:00PM: Main Street Closes
3:30PM: Race Lineup
4:00PM: Race Welcome
4:15PM: Race Begins
5:00PM: Enjoy free post-race hot chocolate and the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main!\
7:00PM: Main Street Reopens

Virtual Race Option

If you are unable to attend the rescheduled in-person race and wish to participate virtually, please submit the forms below.

Important Note

We encourage all runners—virtual or in-person—to pick up their race packets in person. Requests for mailed packets will be processed after the race and most likely received after Christmas.

Need to Know Information:

Packet Pickup

Please reference the schedule above for a full timeline of available packet pickup times.

Parking

Participant parking will be along First Street. Parking will NOT be allowed in the Runnings lot.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available in the Morton Mandan Public Library as well as portable bathrooms.

Other Info

Adult registrants will receive a Holiday Tote with Santa Suit, 2025 Runners Long Sleeve Shirt and Race Bib.
Youth registrants (12 & younger) will receive a Holiday Tote with an Elf Hat, Youth Long Sleeve Shirt and Race Bib.
Running in Santa Suits is ENCOURAGED!

Registration Fee

Registration through November 15: $37
Registration through December 1: $42
Registration December 1 - through Race Day: $50
A portion of Sponsorship and Registration proceeds go to benefit Hope Manor and the recovery community - in 2024 the Santa Run donated $6,000 to Hope Manor
- Learn more about the great work Hope Manor does here

Registration Includes

Santa Run Medal
Santa Run T-Shirt
Santa Suit
- Note: Santa Suits guaranteed the first 500 Pre-registrants of all races. Plus, sized Santa Suits are available on request (Limited qtys.) Santa Suits are for Adult Registrations Only.

Weather Policy

The safety of our participants, volunteers, staff and community is our highest priority. While the North Dakota Santa Run embraces the spirit of winter, certain severe weather conditions may require us to adjust the event format for everyone’s well-being
The Santa Run will be converted to a “Virtual On-Your-Own Run” if any of the following conditions occur:
- Actual temperature or wind chill reaches -10°F or colder at the time of the event.
- A “No Travel Advised” alert is issued by state or local authorities for the Mandan/Bismarck area.
If either condition is met, the in-person run will be canceled and automatically shifted to a virtual format. Participants will be encouraged to complete their 5K on their own schedule and in a location of their choosing. Virtual participation instructions will be provided in the event announcement.

Decision Timeline:
- A final decision to convert to a virtual run will be made by 8:00 AM on the morning of the event and communicated immediately via email, VisitMandan.com and Santa Run social media channels.
In the event of a weather-related cancellation:
- All participants will still receive their Santa Run race packet, including Santa suit and medal.
- No refunds will be issued, as proceeds directly support Hope Manor – Sober Living Homes and local addiction recovery programs.