Get in the holiday spirit during summer with the Christmas in July race, happening on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Shelter #1 along the Tennessee RiverWalk in Chattanooga. Hosted by Five Star NTP as part of the Run Santa Run series, this event blends festive flair with flat and fast pavement miles alongside the river.
Although a relatively new addition to Chattanooga’s race calendar, the event follows Five Star’s well-crafted template: 5K, 10K, half marathon, and virtual participation, all designed to be fun, affordable, and community‑oriented. The half marathon is a double-loop course around Leslie Groves Park and the RiverWalk—it’s nearly level and ripe for casual runners and finishers alike.
What makes this race unique is its festive theme: runners don Santa gear, holiday music and lights line the course, candy fuel stations appear at intervals, and even Santa himself makes an appearance for photos. Instead of sweeping elevation gain, you’ll get summer cheer masquerading as a winter wonderland.
Aid stations appear every ~1.5–2 miles and include water, Gatorade, gels, bananas, and more at the finish. Finishers receive a Santa-approved shirt and medal—guaranteed if registered by July 17—plus age-group and overall awards for half marathon runners.
Ideal for families, walkers, themed-race fans, and groups, this is more of a celebration than an elite competitive run. Expect a festive, lighthearted evening under the stars—not racing seriousness.
