List: Virtual Christmas Races with Swag to Run in December 2020

Due to pandemic-related race cancellations and postponements, 2020 has seen a rise in popularity of virtual races. 

Are you looking for your next virtual race?

Local race companies are starting to run live events in many locations, with added safety precautions due to the pandemic. Check out your own local races to see if there is something available that you feel comfortable running. Often these races also offer a virtual option, with local pickup. Running a race put on by a local company keeps your money in the community and helps support local charities.

If you can't find local options, or you're just looking for more choices, I found the following holiday themed virtual races with various levels of swag that will ship directly to your home. Several of these runs have budget-friendly prices, especially considering shipping and handling costs. Some races might have additional fees, like a sign-up platform fee or shipping. I tried to note these but I may have missed some. The races also vary in their results submission requirements and when you need to complete your run.

I'm not personally affiliated with any of these races. I cannot vouch for their quality. Some races may have referral links. Please check all available information before registering in case of errors in the list below. Also note that some of these races support charitable causes and will give you the option to add a donation at the time of registration.

1 Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run Presented by AdventHealth for Children

  • Cost: $35 + $3 Processing Fee + $3 Shipping | Local pickup available in Orlando, Florida
  • Charity: Cultural Arts Organizations in Casselberry, Florida
  • Swag: Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Jingle Bell Ornament/Medal
  • Registration Ends: December 11, 2020
  • Complete the Race: Race day is December 12, 2020

Why you should run this: Track Shack is a central Florida running institution, hit hard by the pandemic like so many small businesses. If you're in central Florida like me, support local with this holiday run! This race will also take place in person in Casselberry, Florida.

2 14th Annual Candy Cane 5K

  • Cost: $30 plus $2.50 SignUp Fee plus $3 Shipping | Local pickup available in Winter Springs, FL
  • Charity: Boys Town Central Florida
  • Swag: T-Shirt, Medal
  • Registration Price increase: After December 1, 2020
  • Complete the Race: Race Day is December 12, 2020

Why you should run this: Here's another local race was forced to go virtual this year. I ran this charity race a few years ago: 2016 Candy Cane 5K Race Report. Run for a good cause and get your holiday swag.

3 The 12 Ks Of Christmas Virtual 12K & Challenge

  • Cost: $34 plus $2.97 SignUp Fee plus $5 Shipping | Local pickup will be available in Atlanta, GA
  • Swag: T-Shirt, Medal
  • Registration Price Increase: After December 1, 2020
  • Complete the Race: Run between December 14 and December 25, 2020

Why you should run this: Pick your challenge! Run one 12K or get at least 1K per day for 12 days.

4 Ugly Sweater Christmas Virtual Run

  • Cost: $32 plus $2.86 SignUp Fee | Shipping Included
  • Charity: An orphanage in Lashio, Myanmar
  • Swag: T-Shirt, Medal; other swag like face mask or hat available for an additional cost
  • Registration Ends: December 24, 2020
  • Complete the Race: Run on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020

Why you should run this: Extra fun holiday swag! Run for a good cause and get your holiday goodies.

5 Smashed Santa

  • Cost: $29 plus $2.68 SignUp Fee | Shipping Included
  • Charity: Nikolas Ritschel Foundation
  • Swag: Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Medal, Socks, Beanie
  • Registration Price Increases: December 4, 2020
  • Complete the Race: Run Any Time!

Why you should run this: A budget winner with excellent swag! Pick your distance: 5K; 7K; or 25 Mile Challenge and earn your fun ugly sweater shirt, medal, socks, and beanie!

6 Running on Wine Virtual Christmas Races

  • Cost: $35 plus $3.49 SignUp Fee | Shipping Included
  • Swag: Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Wine Tumbler, Finisher Medal
  • Registration Ends: December 24, 2020
  • Complete the Race: Run Any Time!

Why you should run this: Pick your distance: 5K; 10K; or 100 Mile Challenge. Purchase extra fun Christmas swag like a quarter zip pullover or socks for an additional fee.

7 Jingle All the 5K/10K/1K

  • Cost: $38.75 plus $3.75 SignUp Fee | Shipping Included
  • Charity: Make-a-Wish Foundation
  • Swag: T-Shirt, Medal, Printed Bib; long sleeve shirt available at additional cost
  • Registration Ends: December 31, 2020
  • Complete the Race: Run Any Time!

Why you should run this: This look like a fun run with a Yeti theme from Medal Dash. Pick your distance and earn your swag! You can also opt for a medal and bib only package for a discounted price, and additional swag like a running cap and face mask can be purchased as add-ons.

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