North Dakota Santa Run
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North Dakota Santa Run
The North Dakota Santa Run is a downtown Mandan 5K held on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Participants aged 13 and older run or walk the 5K while wearing a Santa suit included in the race packet. Youth registrants age 12 and younger receive an elf hat and a youth long sleeve shirt.
The course starts and finishes on Main Street next to Dykshoorn Park and is highlighted by the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main. Well-behaved pets are allowed to participate. Packet pick-up is available the day before and on race day at local packet locations; race packets include a race bib and themed items. Registration includes a Santa Run medal and a race shirt; Santa suits are guaranteed for the first 500 pre-registrants and sized suits are available on request in limited quantities. Santa suits are provided for adult registrations only.
A virtual participation option exists for those unable to attend in person; virtual participants may submit times through the provided forms. Registration fees vary by registration period with tiered prices listed by the organizers.
A portion of sponsorship and registration proceeds benefits Hope Manor and the recovery community; in 2024 the event donated $6,000 to Hope Manor.
The organizers state that severe weather or official travel advisories may require converting the in-person run to a virtual format. In that case participants still receive their race packet and no refunds are issued because proceeds support local recovery programs. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
