Holiday 5K
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Event overview
Holiday 5K at Old Fort Niagara is a 5K road race held inside Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown, NY on December 20, 2025. The event is the 10th annual running of this race. The USATF certified course starts and finishes inside the park adjacent to the historic cemetery near the lighthouse. The course offers views of Fort Niagara State Park, the Lower Niagara River, Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake (Canada), Historic Old Fort Niagara, and the Toronto skyline. Muskets will be fired to signal the start.
Logistics and services
Packet pickup and the post-race celebration take place in a large heated tent. Each participant receives a custom race bib, timing chip, and a keepsake holiday gift. Food and snacks are provided at the tent; adult beverages are allowed inside the park for those 21 and older. Awards include custom trophies for first overall male and female finishers and pint mugs for the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 and older.
The published registration fee is $35 through race day. Paper applications must be received by 12-18-25 for mail-in registration. Free parking is available in the main Fort Niagara Beach lot; parking is limited near the tent and parking in the small Old Fort lot is not allowed. Professional RFID timing is provided and results are available through multiple real-time platforms. There are no refunds; organizers may postpone, reschedule, or offer a virtual alternative if necessary. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local charitable funds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.