San Diego Santa Run 2025 Guide

The 2025 races themselves are the highlight of the event, but there's a lot more!

The race concludes with the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade. This lively parade has floats, marching bands, and some of the best community groups, local businesses, and charities from the area.

I'd also like to tell you about the PB Challenge, tell you where I suggest my out-of-town friends stay for the weekend and more!

Aerial View of Santas Running in the San Diego Santa Run

Course Details

Both the starting and finishing lines will be at 900 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109.

If you decide to participate, you'll be looking at a 3.13-mile course with a 133-foot elevation gain. While there is no course cut-off time, walkers are encouraged to keep a 20-minute per mile pace. This way, the race can stay on schedule for the following waves.

Have a look at the course map which only runs on two streets in 2025, Garnet Avenue and Cass Street.

The Pacific Beach Holiday Parade

The post-race drinks and party all lead up to the vibrant, colorful, and, in my humble opinion, super fun Holiday Parade that's scheduled to begin at 1:00pm!

With floats, music, and a very merry atmosphere, the Pacific Beach Parade is the perfect and memorable end to the day.

Run PB Challenge

If you really love to run or just like taking part in races, then I suggest that you join the Run PB Challenge.

When you sign up and complete the three San Diego Running Co. events held in Pacific Beach in the same calendar year, you'll receive a special RUN PB Challenge bib at each race as well as a massive finisher's medal upon completion.

The three races in the challenge are the San Diego Leprechaun Run, Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K, and the San Diego Santa Run.

Given that the Santa Run is the final event of the year, your best bet is to sign up for the 2026 series with the Leprechaun Run, the Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K, and the Santa Run. The first two in the series are already taking registrations for next year!

North Pacific Beach in Front of Tower 23 Hotel

Where to Stay Near the Santa Run

If you're coming in from out-of-town, tired after the race, or just want to use the race as an opportunity to take in more San Diego holiday activities, I'd suggest you book a room at the TOWER23 Hotel. It's one of my favorite choices for a staycation in San Diego and at less than half a mile from the start line, it's very conveniently located for the Santa Run.

My wife and I just love the oceanfront rooms. There's also a fantastic restaurant onsite called JRDN. And if you really want to celebrate, check out their special offers and packages.

If you want more hotel options our team at Go Visit San Diego loves in Pacific Beach and throughout San Diego, check out our hotels section to explore additional options.

Fun in the Snow at the San Diego Santa Run

More Swag Options

In addition to the included swag for runner, you can also buy the following:

• A really sporty Santa Run T-Shirt for $29.
• If you're a fun sock aficionado like me, "I Ran With Him" socks for $14.99
• A Santa Run Beanie for $19.99.

The Santa Run isn't just a race; it's also the perfect opportunity to give back to the community while supporting local charities and organizations.

Benefiting the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade

Every year, the non-profit organization Discover Pacific Beach works with businesses in Pacific Beach to not only promote the community, businesses, and welcome visitors, but to ensure the continuation of the holiday parade for years to come.

Through year-round events, Discover Pacific Beach has helped to revitalize the community, and the Santa Run is one of their premier events.

So, How Does Santa Run Fund the Parade?

With costs quickly mounting to host the parade, including street closures, permits, portable bathrooms, and so much more, the holiday parade often deals with the threat of cancellation. In fact, organizers cancelled the parade a few times because of a lack of funds.

This is exactly where the Santa Run enters the story!

In 2013, the people behind the Santa Run decided to run the race on the same route as the parade to share, and one day, completely cover the parade's expenses.

Thirteen years and thousands of Santas later, the Santa Run has helped Discover Pacific Beach save money while also bringing hundreds of guests into the community to run, eat, and explore Pacific Beach.

Team Hoyt San Diego

The Santa Run also supports the non-profit organization, Team Hoyt San Diego.

Team Hoyt San Diego aims to build the "individual character, self-confidence, and self-esteem of America's disabled young people through inclusion in all facets of daily life."

From community activities, family life, and sports, the organization assists families in achieving their goals, including in races and triathlons.

Team Hoyt San Diego is inspired by the father-son duo, Dick and Rick Hoyt, who competed together in over 1,100 endurance events.

Tons of Santas Running in the Annual San Diego Santa Run

Embracing the Spirit of Giving and Togetherness

The holidays are always the perfect time to come together in the community to take part in seasonal activities and events. The Santa Run is an ideal example of an outdoor holiday celebration that welcomes everyone.

So, lace up your running shoes and join the San Diego Santa Run for a unique chance to support the local community and spread some holiday cheer.