Christmas in July

The Christmas in July race takes place on the evening of July 19th, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States. This unique event transforms the city into a festive wonderland as runners lace up their shoes and set out under a starlit sky. The course winds through downtown Chattanooga's historic neighborhoods, past the iconic Walden’s Ridge Park, and along the banks of the Tennessee River, where twinkling lights add to the enchanting atmosphere.
The evening air is cool, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31.9°C, creating a perfect climate for runners as they navigate through the course's hard and dry surface under a UV index that peaks at Very High. As the sun dips below the horizon, it casts an amber glow over the cityscape, enhancing every step of the journey. The route is lined with holiday decorations and festive music, making each mile feel like part of a winter wonderland.
Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, or half marathon distances to suit their preferences, all offering unique challenges and scenic views that blend the warmth of summer with the joyous spirit of Christmas. The race has been running for several years now, attracting both seasoned runners and newcomers eager to experience this magical event.
Course & Conditions:
The Run Santa Run course meanders through Walden’s Ridge Park and along the picturesque Tennessee Riverwalk. A mix of paved paths and smooth dirt trails ensures a comfortable run, with distance markers every kilometer to keep participants on track. Notable features include a festive candy station where runners can refuel mid-race and an appearance by Santa Claus himself, capturing memorable moments for all.
Start/finish at the downtown Chattanooga Riverwalk Park provides easy access and ample parking. Runners should anticipate typical July weather in Tennessee: temperatures around 27°C with a slight chill from a steady breeze of about 6.5 km/h and humidity hovering at 74.5%. A light layer is recommended, but runners shouldn't worry too much about rain as the expected rainfall is minimal—only 3.4mm.
Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/115588/christmas-in-july before the early bird deadline on June 30th, 2026. For bib pickup, head to Chattanooga Convention Center on July 17th from 9 AM to 6 PM or at the race day start location between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
The starting point is at Riverwalk Park in downtown Chattanooga. Participants must be at least 18 years old and should come prepared with water, running gear suitable for evening conditions, and a festive spirit. This event isn't just about completing the race; it's an experience to cherish and share with friends and family.
Join us on July 19th, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at Run Santa Run Christmas in July for a truly unforgettable night of running under the stars!