Lights of Hope 5k Santa Run
Get ready to lace up your sneakers, throw on your Santa suit (elf costume or even your favorite grinch costume), and gather your family and friends for the Lights of Hope 5K Santa Run!
Enjoy decorations, lights, free hot cocoa, Christmas-themed best-dressed contest, a variety of food trucks, and freebies!
$40 Registration includes your own Santa suit! Children 12 & under free!
Register & Get Involved Here!
Date: Dec 13,2025
Location: Merced College Stadium
Check-in Time: 3:30pm
Race: 5:30pm
Proceeds go to Merced College for Kids and the Merced Cancer Society Foundation
This festive holiday run isn’t just about dashing through a Christmas-themed track full of lights — it’s about spreading cheer, creating memories, and coming together as a community to support youth programs and families affected by cancer.
Imagine hundreds of Santas (and a few elves!) filling the Merced College Stadium with laughter, joy, and holiday spirit. Along the way, you’ll enjoy twinkling lights, cheerful holiday music, and the warm comfort of free hot chocolate at the finish line. Plus, we’ll have delicious food vendors waiting to refuel you after your merry dash.
We invite everyone to join in the fun by showing off their most creative, spirited, Christmas themed costumes. Winners will be selected for their originality and festive flair, and prizes will be awarded to the top costumes. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate, have fun, and maybe even take home a prize!
Whether you run, walk, or dance your way across the course, your participation helps us reach our goal of raising funds to bring hope and vital support to local youth programs and families battling cancer.
So grab your Santa hat, rally your crew, and come sleigh the season with us at the Lights of Hope 5K Santa Run — where every step brings joy, unity, and hope!
*Santa Costume will be provided on day of event at Registration