The Best Holiday Races of 2017

Nothing says Christmas like shivering in your singlet. If you're looking for a way to celebrate the season and log a few miles while you're at it, we have the best races for you. So, break out your running shoes and reindeer antlers and get to a spirit-filled start line.
10th Annual Reindeer Romp
December 7, 2017; Fort Worth, TX
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If you're looking for a family-friendly race, then check out this Texas favorite. Sure, you'll get the miles in—3.1 for adults and a 1/2-mile dash for the kiddos—but the real highlight will be appearances by Anna and Elsa from "Frozen."
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Holiday Half Marathon & 5K
December 9-10, 2017; Pomona, CA
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If you want to go the distance for Christmas, then make your way through one of the most beautiful holiday half marathons in the country. This course winds through Los Angeles County, going behind the fairgrounds, through the Auto Club Raceway and finally to the majestic Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. If you're more about the holiday cheer and gear (and less about all that running in a scratchy sweater), then sign up for the 5K fun run.
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2017 Jingle All the Way 5K
December 9, 2017; Maynard, MA
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Nothing gets you in the spirit of the season like a brisk 5K that promises treats and surprises along the way. When you're done braving the cold, get some grub and warm your hands at the Battle Road Brew House, where participants will be treated to delicious fare and live entertainment. So jolly.
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Atlanta Christmas 5K 2017
December 9, 2017; Atlanta, GA
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Atlanta knows how to put on a race, and the YMCA's Atlanta Christmas 5K is one of the biggest and most festive in the land. All runners get Santa hats, plus the chance to qualify for the legendary Peachtree Road Race. But if you're not in shape for speed, and you're just looking for some extra holiday cheer, this race won't disappoint. Think hot chocolate, cider, Christmas cookies, a holiday costume contest and--our favorite--a doggie costume contest. Swoon. The whole community gets involved and Skinny Santa, the race mascot, will give away prizes from local vendors, too.
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32nd Annual Tinsel Triathlon
December 10, 2017; Hemet, CA
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Why run the same old Christmas-themed 5K, when you can swim, bike and run a holiday triathlon? This event is extra-special because it's the largest reverse tri in the nation! That means you run, bike and then swim. And don't worry about having to swim in open water in December--the swim portion is completed in a heated lap pool. Now that's a Christmas present.
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Dallas Santa Crawl
December 16, 2017; Dallas, TX
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This night run is a fantastic mix of bar crawl and race. It's a 1/4-mile trot that finishes with a tour of watering holes in Dallas' West End. Each runner--or crawler--will receive a commemorative cup, a finisher's vodka drink and a wristband to enter the Vodka Festival. There's music, dance contests, a lip sync contest, games and the sexiest Santa awards, So you may want to start planning your costume right away.
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Jingle Bell Run
December 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ
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At this Jingle Bell Run, you truly get back what you give. Benefiting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, all runners are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate. When you run the 5K or the kid's 1/2-mile dash, you'll also get a bunch of sweet swag like a Santa hat and jingle bells to wear at next year's race.
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The Ugly Sweater Run
Various Dates and Locations
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As holiday runs go, the Ugly Sweater Run is a giant. This national running series benefits One Warm Coat, which aims to provide all Americans with just that--a coat to keep them warm during the winter months. Choose from races in Hartford, Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta and more, each featuring a smorgasbord of Christmas awesomeness like marshmallow guns, mechanical reindeers and complimentary Kahlua. So, grab your ugliest sweater and get after it.
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