Participants can enjoy a 10K, 5K or kids run, or just spectate and cheer on their friends and neighbors.
The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run is Los Angeles’ largest holiday running event and a great fundraiser. The Christmas Run was started in 1977 with 10,000 runners participating in the race. For over three decades, it has not only remained a highly popular local run but the event has become an integral part of the Los Angeles community during the holiday season. For many, the Christmas Run is the true start of the holidays.
The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has a 5K and a 10K run that winds through the beautiful streets of Santa Monica and Venice, California, including a long stretch along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk. Many runners participate in teams with friends or family and many run or walk in costume. There is also a short kids race at the finish line. The 2018 event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018.
View video above by clicking on the play button.
Photo courtesy of ChristmasRun.com
Important Times and Locations:
Start Line: Ocean View Park 2701 Barnard Way, Santa Monica
Finish Line and Kids Fun Run Start Line at the iconic Venice Sign. Windward Ave & Pacific Ave, Venice
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- 6:30 am – Packet Pickup/Registration Opens
- 7:30 am – 5K Start
- 8:30 am – 10K Start
- 8:30 am – 5K Costume Contest
- 10:00 am – 10K Costume Contest
- 10:00 am – Kids Fun Run Start
The Finish Line and Kid’s Fun Run Starting Line is at the iconic Venice Sign.
ABOUT: Spanning across Windward Avenue at Pacific, the Venice Sign in lights is a modern day replica of the one originally installed in 1905 by Venice’s founder Abbot Kinney. It is a defining symbol of Venice, past and present. In 2007, the Venice Sign Restoration Project recreated and installed the contemporary version of this historic sign. Since that time the Venice Chamber has been responsible for the sign and for protecting its trademark.
Thing to do at the Venice Sign is snap a selfie and @christmasrun #VeniceSign @VeniceSign @VeniceBeachFun
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Costumes Encouraged!
Costume Awards given for the following:
Christmas Spirit Award – for Best Christmas Themed Costume
Most Original Award – for Most Creative/Artistic Costume
Santa’s Little Helpers Award – for Best Womens Group of 3+ and Best Mens Group of 3+
Photo courtesy of ChristmasRun.com
All participants get a race shirt and medal!
All pre-registered Christmas Run participants will receive (1) Christmas Run long-sleeved tech shirt as part of their packet.
Venice Paparazzi’s Edizen and Kaj Larsen
Surfside Venice at Windward Ave.
The Finish Line – Winter Wonderland at Windward Ave.
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Let’s kick off the holidays together Venice! Add yourself to TEAM VENICE when you register!
- Get to training, and see you at the starting line on Dec. 15th!
- Team Venice end of race brunch details coming soon.
