If you’re looking for a fun Jingle Bell Run, Rudolph Run or other holiday 5K this year in the Tennessee Valley, have no fear. You’ve come to the right place.
We’ve compiled December events taking place this year along the Tennessee River valley. Also listed are a few others of note. The season already has kicked off with the annual Galaxy of LIghts 5K in Huntsville. Take a look, find an event, let us know if we need to add another. Happy holidays to all!
Frosty Freeze 5K & Jingle Bell Mile
Dec. 3 — The Austin High School Frosty Freeze 5k and Jingle Bell Mile is back! Join in for a 5k or 1 mile run in beautiful downtown Decatur, Ala., and enjoy the gorgeous Christmas displays on historic homes. Christmas attire encouraged! The 5k and 1 mile courses are USATF Certified. Registering will support the Austin High School Cross Country Team. Find registration and starting info here.
Krampus 5K
Dec. 3 — Krampus is returning to south Huntsville! The race will start in Grissom High School’s parking lot and continue down Haysland Road before winding back through the Hays Farm greenway. Keep your eye out as Krampus will be out on the prowl! Registration includes a snack and a memento from Krampus to hang on your Christmas tree. Join us after the race at Das Stahl Bierhaus for photos with Krampus and the release of our Krampus-themed beer brewed by Straight to Ale. Find registration and starting info here.
Sleigh Bell Run 5K
Dec. 3 — The Sleigh Bell Run 5K benefits the Big Brothers & Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley. It begins at Booth Lumberyard in downtown Huntsville and winds through the city. Adult and Youth registration options are available. Find registration info here.
Dayton Jingle Bell Run 5K
Dec. 3 — Adult and youth divisions are available for the Jingle Bell Run 5K in Dayton, Tenn. There will be a prize for The Best Santa Helper 10 & under and Best Christmas Spirit (all ages option). Find registration info here.
Reindeer Run 5K
Dec. 4 — The Reindeer Run 5K in Maryville, Tenn., is a 5K (3.1 mile) road race and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. Awards are given to the Overall and Masters winners and the top three finishers in each age division. Prizes will also be given to the best male and female Christmas costume. All Fun Run/Walk participants receive a keepsake. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Empty Pantry Fund. Find registration info here.
December 10-11
Jingle Bell Run 5K
Dec. 10 — Knoxville is home to the Jingle Bell Run 5K, based at the World’s Fair Park downtown. Wear your favorite holiday costume and spread good cheer for a great cause. We’re raising awareness and funds to support arthritis research for better treatments and a cure. We’re also helping the Arthritis Foundation develop tools, resources and opportunities to connect with each other. Find registration info here.
Jingle Bell Jog 5K
Dec. 10 — The Athens High School JROTC Jingle Bell Jog 5K will begin and end at Athens Middle School. Proceeds benefit the Athens High JROTC. This race course is USATF CERTIFIED AL13063JD. There will be one water station mid-way through the course. The course will be flat and fast. Post-race refreshments will be provided to all runners. Find registration info here.
Santa Hustle Smokies 5K, 10K
Dec. 11 — Feeling comfy and cozy this year? Join the crew on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Wilderness at the Smokies – Soaky Mountain Waterpark for the Santa Hustle Smokies 5k and 10k. This fun holiday 5K or 10K will have you warmed up in no time and ready for the day. Find registration info here.
December 17-18
Rudolph Run 5K
Dec. 17 — The annual Rudolph Run 5K starts at 8 a.m. at Constitution Village in downtown Huntsville, running through parts of the original city and downtown. The event supports the Blount Hospitality House. It starts at 8 a.m. and is quite popular. Find registration info here.
12Ks of Christmas
Dec. 17 — How about a 12k race that you can do 1, 2 or 3 loops of? PBR and Patdome Promotions present the premier event that starts and finishes at the 900 Broadway location heading into the back streets of Old North Knox for 12Ks of a good time. Enjoy a cool toboggan and Christmas goodies with your packet pickup and the best finishers party this side of the North Pole! Find registration info here.
Elf Off the Shelf 5K
Dec. 17 — Get into the Christmas spirit and come run or walk in the Elf Off the Shelf 5K or Kids 1 Mile Fun Run at Central High School on Saturday, Dec. 17 in Knoxville. Since this is a Christmas themed event, runners and walkers are encouraged to don Christmas apparel. Come dressed as an Elf, Reindeer, Grinch, Santa Claus or just wear jingle bells on your shoes. The holiday 5K will have have Christmas music, hot chocolate, coffee, and donuts. Even Santa Claus and the Grinch will be there to cheer you on. Find registration info here.
Tennova Farragut Frosty 5K
Dec. 17 — It’s Christmas time in East Tennessee and Farragut is the center of Joy for the season! This event will be held on Saturday morning in Farragut along a joyful neighborhood full of Christmas spirit! The run will be chip timed on a certified course. All proceeds for this event will benefit the Farragut High School Cross Country Teams. Find registration info here.
Rock’in Santa Half Marathon, 5K
Dec. 17 — Get into the holiday spirit with either a half marathon or 5K run starting from Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville. Events benefit the Sunshine Ambassadors – Enriching the lives of people with disabilities through dance. Christmas Rock-n-Roll music will abound from Victor Ashe Park and along the routes. The greenway course will be three loops with a 4-hour time limit. Find registration info here.
Jingle Bell Jog Chattanooga
Dec. 17 — The Chattanooga Jingle Bell Jog 5K is an annual nationally renowned running event that champions all things associated with the festive winter holidays … Jingle Bells, Santa, Mistletoe, Reindeer, Elves! All participants will receive a Santa Suit costume. You will also receive a pair of Jingle Bells to tie to your running shoes. The sights and sounds of running Santas will take over downtown Chattanooga. All finishers will be treated with a Holiday themed medal. Find registration info here.
