Roundup: December Race Calendar

Celebrate the holiday season with these Boston area races.

Winter running image via shutter stock

Winter running image via shutterstock

The holiday season has begun and what better way to celebrate and burn off those extra holiday pounds than with a December road race? Choose from our list of 5Ks, 10Ks, charity runs, and fun runs this month and fill up your December race calendar.  

The Jolly Jaunt Boston

As the name suggests, this fun 5k race is all about the joy of the holiday season. All participants will be given jingle bells to tie to their shoes for the race so Boston’s Back Bay will ring with the spirit of giving. Proceeds will go to the Athletes of Special Olympics Massachusetts for next year’s games. Prizes will be awarded for the best holiday costumes, and if you prefer to walk instead of run for the cause, an alternate walking route is available. Other Jolly Jaunt locations include Springfield and Taunton, Massachusetts.

12/07. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Race begins at 10 a.m. at the Boston Common, kintera.org

South Boston Catholic Academy Road Race

The fifth annual fundraising road race for the South Boston Catholic Academy includes a 5K open to all ages, a 100 meter dash for participants 9 years old and under, and a half-mile race for participants 14 and under. The 5K course will take you along South Boston’s scenic beaches, and the after-party will feature an awards ceremony, a raffle, and refreshments. Registration for the 5K is $20.

12/07. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Race begins at 10 a.m. South Boston Catholic Academy, 866 East Broadway, South Boston, sbcaroadrace.wordpress.com

Jingle Bell Run 

Run to raise money for The Santa Foundation this year and help bring local families the gifts of food, warmth, and holiday cheer this December. Bring family and friends and compete as a “Reindeer Team” for prizes at the finish line. For the first time this year, the race will be professionally timed, but you can still choose to either run or walk. The 5K loop starts and ends at the H. Olive Day School in Norfolk.

12/07. Race begins at 11 a.m. H. Olive Day School, 232 Main Street, Norfolk, racewire.com 

Holiday Hustle

Head out to Newton to hustle along a flat 5K course and support the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton. Bring the whole family and form a team to win prizes after the race. Dress up as Santa, Frosty the Snowman, or just in your running gear, and enjoy the music of local carolers as you run. Whole Foods Newtonville will provide fresh, hot oatmeal and other breakfast items after the race.

12/08. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Race begins at 9 a.m. John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, 675 Watertown Street, Newton, visit newtonbgc.com 

Miss Santa Holiday 5k 

Sponsored by RACE (Run Against Cancer Events), this 5k raises money for the Ellie Fund to support breast cancer research. At 10 a.m. enjoy a leisurely Pink Walk, then compete in the Miss Santa costume contest at 11 a.m. At promptly 11:15 a.m. kick up your holiday heels and race along the flat course at the Esplanade. Afterwards, collect your awards and head over to the Beacon Hill Pub for a Sam Adams sponsored after-party. It’s a great way to start off your holiday celebrations. Registration is $40 on the day of. Cancer survivors run for free.

12/14. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Pink Walk begins at 10 a.m. 5K begins at 11:15 a.m. Meet at the Arthur Fielder statue at the Charles River Esplanade. To register, visit runagainstcancer.org

The 14th Annual SSRun

If you’re feeling brave and particularly warm-blooded this month, grab your santa hat, your speedo and nothing else and head down to Newbury Street for the annual SantaSpeedoRun. Every year, hundreds of participants shock and amuse Newbury Street shoppers in their skimpy Santa attire and help to raise over $1 million for children’s charities. Strip down and join the crowd or watch warmly from the sidelines on December 14th.

12/14. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. No race day registration is available. Race begins at 1 p.m. Participants must be 21 years or older. Lir Tavern, 903 Boylston Street. To register, visit ssrunners.org

First Annual Jingle All The Way 5K

The Greg Hill Foundation, which helps families who have been touched by tragedy, is hosting its first annual Jingle All The Way 5k in Sudbury this year. Layer up in your warmest running gear and head out to either walk or run for charity. Bring an unwrapped toy for the foundation’s annual toy drive and receive your own gifts and surprises along the course as you go. Registration includes a t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and post race food. Registration is $30.

12/14. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Online registration closes 12/13. Race begins at 10 a.m. 29 Sudbury Street, Sudbury. To register, visit active.com