New Canaan Santa Run
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Event overview
The New Canaan Santa Run is the 12th annual edition, scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Waveny Park Main House in New Canaan, CT. The courses start and finish at the park's historic "Castle" and use park roads, driveways, and groomed trails. Parking is described as plentiful and nearby. The event raises funds to help underwrite a food packing effort and related costs.
Races and format
- 5K run - computer timed; participants are eligible for awards.
- 1 mile walk - not timed; no awards.
- Santa Dash - kids only, age 8 and under.
The 5K will be run in the opposite direction from previous years on the same route; one section will be downhill in the middle of the course. The one-mile walk uses Waveny Park Road with a turnaround near the pool at the half mile mark.
Awards, shirts and dates
Overall male and female 5K champions and top male and female finishers in each age group receive medals or awards. Age groups are: 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. The first 200 registrants will receive long-sleeve cotton shirts while supplies last; a shirt guarantee deadline is listed as December 10. A registration fee increase is scheduled for December 13.
Charity and volunteer effort
Proceeds support a food packing event that aims to prepare 100,000 meals for distribution. The packing event is planned for March 7, 2026, and organizers describe a volunteer need for approximately 500 people to staff the effort. There is no postponement or refund policy in the event of weather-related closures. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
