Santa's CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION Run

Santa's CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION Run takes place in Springfield, Missouri, on December 11, 2026. The 10K and the 5K start together at 6:30 PM, with a 1-mile run/walk following at 6:35 PM. It is an evening run and walk led by Santa on a motorcycle, along a route filled with sparkling lights and holiday decorations. Every participant receives custom pajama pants and a finisher medal.

With three distances on the same evening, this works for a whole range of fitness levels: the mile suits children and first-timers, while the 10K is a real 6.2-mile test. If you are aiming at the longer one, eight weeks with a weekly long run of 7 miles and one tempo session will have you ready. Missouri in mid-December can be genuinely cold after dark, so keep a dry layer waiting for you at the finish rather than standing around in a soaked shirt.