Mistletoe Madness 10k
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2026 Mistletoe Madness 5k & 10k
The event takes place on December 24 at Bon Air Gardens in Arlington, Virginia. It offers two race distances:
- 5 km
- 10 km
Both the 5k and 10k use out-and-back courses along the Custis Trail and Four Mile Run. The route is paved and includes some rolling hills; the 10k is not run as two laps. Water stations are provided: one on the 5k and three on the 10k at approximately mile markers 1.55, 3.1, and 4.65. Gatorade will be available at some water stations. Port a johns are available in the park.
Runners receive a finisher’s medal, a technical (DriFit) event shirt, and chip timing. T-shirts are guaranteed for runners registered before December 11; sizes cannot be guaranteed for race day registrants. Packet pickup is available at the event and race day registration is offered. Registration fees vary by distance and date, with higher prices after December 15 and an additional race morning increase.
The race benefits Nadia’s Initiative, a nonprofit founded by a 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate that focuses on rebuilding communities in crisis and advocating for survivors of conflict related sexual violence. Live results are posted on Athlinks and final results with series points are posted the Monday after the event. Awards include top three men and women overall and first and second in standard age groups; top three overall are not eligible for age group awards.
A virtual race option is available. The organizer operates in all weather and may delay or cancel for safety reasons. Volunteers should plan to arrive about 60 minutes before the first race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
