North Dakota Santa Run
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North Dakota Santa Run
The North Dakota Santa Run is a community 5K held in downtown Mandan on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Participants 13 and older run or walk the course in a Santa suit provided in the race packet. Well-behaved pets are allowed.
The course starts and finishes on Main Street next to Dykshoorn Park and passes by the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main. Packet pickup is available the day before the race at the Morton Mandan Public Library community room and on race day at the Mandan Progress Organization office. Participant parking is available along First Street; parking is not allowed in the Runnings lot. Restrooms are available inside the Morton Mandan Public Library and via portable toilets.
Adult registrants receive a Holiday Tote that includes a Santa suit, a long sleeve runners shirt, and a race bib. Youth registrants (12 and younger) receive a Holiday Tote with an elf hat, a youth long sleeve shirt, and a race bib. Registration items also include a Santa Run medal and a Santa Run shirt. Sized Santa suits are available on request in limited quantities; suits are for adult registrations only. Santa suits are guaranteed for the first 500 pre-registrants.
The event offers an in-person and a virtual option. The run will convert to virtual for severe weather conditions such as a wind chill of -10°F or colder or when local authorities issue a no travel advisory. A portion of sponsorship and registration proceeds benefits Hope Manor and the recovery community; in 2024 the Santa Run donated $6,000 to Hope Manor. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
