Festive Family-Friendly Winter 5K and Costume Contest
The annual Saints Santa Run is back and is bigger than ever. This festive, family-friendly winter 5K and costume contest is returning to Midtown OKC for its third year on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
The run, which is one of Downtown in December’s signature events, includes a 5K Run/Walk Race, 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and a free 50-yard Kids’ Dash. The 5K route takes runners through Midtown and historic Heritage Hills neighborhoods and begins and ends in the east parking lot of its presenting sponsor, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital.
“SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital values all of the exceptional work done by Downtown OKC Partnership to support revitalization and growth in Midtown,” said Sandra Payne, Regional Vice President at SSM Health St. Anthony. “We have especially enjoyed welcoming events such as the Santa Run to our campus that supports a healthy lifestyle for families as well as provides an opportunity to highlight all that downtown Oklahoma City has to offer.”
Participants in the 5K Run/Walk or 1-Mile Fun Run will receive a commemorative Saints Santa Run t-shirt and finisher medal. However, the event is not just about the run; it’s a full-blown winter celebration. Before and after the race, there will be free activities for all, including a pre-race warm-up with the OKC Ballet, face painting, balloon art, complimentary snacks and drinks, and festive music to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.
What’s a holiday run without costumes? Runners are encouraged to get creative and dress up like Santa or in their most festive holiday attire for a chance to win cash prizes in the costume contest following the 5K. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the top overall male, female, and non-binary 5K race winners.
Registration is currently $25 for the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and $35 for the 5K Run/Walk. Registration is open online at DowntownInDecember.com/Santa-Run but will increase by $5 on Nov. 24. Registration is also available on-site during the event beginning at 8 a.m.
Day of packet pick up will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the SSM Health St. Anthony campus located at 1000 N. Lee Avenue. Runners can also retrieve their packets early on Friday, Dec. 1, from OK Runner at 519 NW 23rd St. between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Schedule for race day is as follows:
- 8 a.m. – Day-Of Registration, Packet Pick Up & Festivities
- 8:45 a.m. – Free Kids’ Dash begins (ages 8 and under)
- 9 a.m. – 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk begins
- 9:30 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk begins
- 10:15 a.m. – Race Results & Awards
- 10:30 a.m. – Costume Contest
All proceeds from the Saints Santa Run benefit Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, which provides services to the downtown area that include keeping the streets clean, safe and friendly services, marketing our downtown and its districts, and activating the core with community events and public art.
The event is produced by Downtown OKC Partnership, presented by SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, and supported by Midtown OKC and Phillips Murrah P.C.
For more information and a list of holiday activities happening in downtown Oklahoma City, visit DowntownInDecember.com.
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ABOUT DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY PARTNERSHIP
Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership (DOKC) is the 501(c)(6) nonprofit urban place management organization whose mission is to create and champion a vibrant and diverse downtown through placemaking, advocacy, and promotion. DOKC also manages and maintains the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and fosters an environment of creativity and culture through public art and activation via Downtown OKC Initiatives. The BID delivers street-level amenities such as street cleaning, landscaping and trash pickup, produces events, and provides additional services such as marketing, branding and programming. For more information, visit DowntownOKC.com.
