Celebrate the holiday season with a festive race through Riverside’s Ryan Bonaminio Park. Held annually in December, the Reindeer Run is part of the LaceUp Running Series and rounds out a four‑race holiday circuit.
Participants can choose from four distances—5K, 10K, 15K, and half marathon—each covering multiple laps on a paved out‑and‑back loop. The half marathon follows three repeats of the 4.36‑mile loop, while shorter distances correspond to fewer loops. The course is family‑friendly, mostly flat with a mild hill around the half‑mile mark, and shares space with cyclists and park walkers.
Every lap includes well‑stocked aid stations offering water, Gatorade, gels, plus porta‑potties, with generous volunteer support throughout. Unique to this race is its holiday charm—finishers receive a commemorative medal, goodie bag, and race‑day photos. Extras like food trucks, customizable holiday gear at packet pickup, and a low‑key, community atmosphere elevate the experience.
This event combines relaxed fun with solid organization—perfect for beginner and intermediate runners, group entries, and families. Reviewers consistently praise the production quality and on‑course support:
“The Riverside Reindeer Run is one of my top three favorite races… A lot of thought is clearly put into the details”
Organized by A Better World Running in conjunction with LaceUp, the Reindeer Run is ideal for holiday-themed runs, group participation, and a relaxed yet festive finish.