As I compiled the list for December virtual races, news about Covid vaccinations have made the news. After nine months of living safe at home, I’m ready to return to some normalcy. Whether you are skeptical of the vaccinations or not, I think we can all agree that we are all ready to live life to the fullest again in 2021! Hopefully, that means running races with crowds of runners and walkers again.

As I mentioned last month, the holidays often cause me to lose sight of my fitness goals and December often tends to be my biggest offender. With preparing for Christmas, I have a really hard time slaying it when I am sleighing it.

Thankfully, virtual races help runners stay off the naughty list when it comes to your fitness goals, because virtual races fit in your schedule whenever it works for you. No excuses! So, when I lay down for a long winter’s nap, I can still find time for some reindeer games in the way of a virtual race. 

If you need gift ideas, virtual races make great gifts for the runner in your life. Since virtual races support charities and small businesses, you can help do some good with your virtual race registration.

Besides being fantastic motivators and great holiday gifts, I have four more reasons why you should run a virtual race.

With Cyber Week still in full swing, don’t miss on the chance to save on your race registration or two. Be sure to check one of my favorite virtual run sites, I Run 4, because their Cyber Week Sale ends on 12/6. So don’t miss out on your a few holiday themed virtual races and a few other of your favorite I Run 4 themed fun runs.

Raw Threads is offering one year of membership FREE when you spend over $60. Members enjoy free shipping year round, monthly club offers and rewards. 

So, don’t miss out on early registration deals and Cyber Week Savings!

December Virtual Races

As we’ve snowballed into the holiday season, December delivers many virtual races that will definitely lift your holiday spirits. From reindeer runs to Santa races with a dash of Hanukkah and Kawanzaa too, there are so many fun runs and challenges full of merriment and good cheer. “Yule” really love all the virtual races this month!

Santa Themes

America’s Santa Run

• December 20 – 31
• $39
• 5K or 10K
• Milk and Cookies 5K Challenge an additional $10
• Long sleeve Santa designed shirt
• Santa hat
• Medal 
• Bib
• Log miles in Run the World app
• Register four or more friends and save 10%
• ​Benefits Trees for Troops

2020 Christmas Virtual 5K Run

• December 20 – 27
• $25 ($30 after 12/11)
• Santa and reindeer wearing masks medal
• Bib
• T-shirt and sweatshirt add-ons available
• Discounts available for groups of 10 or more
• Finisher’s certificate
• Benefits The Jed Foundation

Smilin’ Santa

• December 1 – 31
• $29.99 (early bird pricing end 12/9)
• 5K, 10K or Half Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve Santa shirt
• Santa medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents #SmilinSanta
• Benefits Toys for Tots
• Earn 25% off next registration

6th Annual Santa Fun Run

• December 5 – 12
• $35
• Santa medal
• Santa tee
• Downloadable bib
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media #GoneForaRunVirtualRaceSeries
• Benefits Steadfast Giving Tree Foundation and Toys for Tots

Believe 5K/10K

• Now until December 31
• $34.99
• 5K or 10K
• I Believe t-shirt or tank (Hoodie upgrade available)
• Medal
• Bib
• Share on social media #Believe5K10K #IRun4Movement
• Chance to win prizes
• Earn money back when you refer friends
• Benefits the First Responders Children Foundation

Reindeer Themes

You’ll Go Down In History

• Now – December 31
• $27
• Reindeer in mask medal
• Bib

Reindeer Run

• December 7 -12
• $35
• 5K
• Bib 
• Medal
• T-shirt
• All proceeds donated to Sunrise of Pasco
• Submit finish time on online and on social media #SunriseReindeerRun

Elf Themes

Elf Run

• December 1 – January 31
• $40 
• 5K or 10K
• Jacket 
• Snow globe-inspired medal
• Winter beanie
• Personalized bib
• Submit finish time online through Enmotive
• Share on social media @ElfVirtualRun 
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Benefits St. Jude’s Research Hospital

The Great Elf Virtual Run

• December 25
• 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon
• $5 – Virtual packet only
• $14 – Medal only
• $30 – Shirt and medal 
• $38 – Premium packet
• Training plan
• Finisher’s certificate
• Custom backdrop photo
• Digital running journal
• Runner pen pal program
• Get a personal digital cheerleader on the day of your run (upon request)
• Kids Passport Activity (Mini Travel Experiences for Kids at www.kid2kidbox.com)
• Submit finish time online
• Chance to win prizes

Big Elf Run

• December 1 – 31
• $30 + $15 for runners outside of Canada
• 5K or 10K
• Gold elf medal
• Elf name running bib
• Elf hat
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media @rungoapp @bigfunrunseries or #rungoapp #bigfunrunseries
• Earn cash back for additional race registrations

Fit You Seek. Run You Must. (Holiday Edition)

• Now until December 31
• $34.99
• 5K or 10K
• Fit You Seek Run You Must t-shirt or tank (Hoodie upgrade available)
• Medal
• Bib
• Benefits Feeding America
• Share on social media #FitYouSeekRunYouMust #IRun4Movement
• Chance to win prizes
• Earn money back when you refer friends

Jingle Bell Runs

Jingle All the Way

• December 1 – 25
• 5K, 10K or 1K
• $32.75 – Medal and bib only 
• $28.75 – Short sleeved shirt, medal and bib
• $48.75 – Long sleeved shirt, medal and bib
• Earn cash back when you refer friends
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Post finish time in a private Facebook group and/or online.
• Share on social media @medaldash
• Benefits Make-A-Wish

Jingle Bell Run

• December 11 – 13
• $35
• 5K
• Jingle Bell Run short sleeve t-shirt
• Medal
• Running jingle bell sticker 
• Submit finish time through RaceGo  app
• Benefits the Arthritis Foundation

Jingle Bell Rock and Run 

• Dec. 1 – 31
• $25
• 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, 1-Mile Fun Run or 100 Mile Challenge
• Tech shirt​
• Medal
• Bib
• Post finish time on Enmotive
• Share on social media @RinginginHope  #JingleBellRock&Run
• Benefits a designated charity. (See site.)

​Jingle All the Ks

• December 20 -27
• $27
• 5K, 10K or Half 
• Jingle bell medal
• Bib

Holly Jolly Jingle Bell 5K

• $34.99
• Santa jingle bell medal
• Santa hat 
• Bib
• U Can energy bar
• $44.99 – Medal, tee/tank, santa hat and energy bar
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media #GoneForaRunVirtualRaceSeries
• Benefits Las Vegas Rescue Mission

Jingle Bell Virtual Run

• December 1 -31
• $39 – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon
• Tech hoodiet
• Snowman medal
• Bib
• Jingle Bell Virtual Run Sticker
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Submit finish time on Enmotive app
• Share on social media @LocoRunning #JingleBellVirtual

12Ks of Christmas

• $25
• Run 1K every day until Christmas
• Additional 12K medal options here
• Benefits Toys for Tots

Holiday Hustle

• December 1 – January 1
• $45
• 50K by Jan. 1
• Save 5% when with two or more registrations; 10% off with four or more
• Long sleeve Holiday Hustle shirt
• Medal additional purchase
• Submit run times to Run Across America app
• Includes digital badge
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Benefits Feeding America

ZOOMA 12Ks of Christmas

• December 14 – 25 
• $10
• Run a 1K a day or run a 12K on or before Christmas Day
• Share on social media @ZOOMArun

25 Miles of Christmas

• December 1 – 31
• $32.99 (early “elf” pricing ends 12/10
• 25 miles, 50 Miles or 100 miles
• Bib
• Shirt
• Santa medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents #25MilesOfChristmas
• Benefits Toys for Tots
• Earn 25% off next registration

Holiday Sweets and Treats

I Run 4 Peppermint Mochas

• Now until December 31
• $34.99
• 5K or 10K
• I Run 4 Peppermint Mocha t-shirt or tank (Hoodie upgrade available)
• Medal
• Bib
• Benefits Feeding America
• Share on social media #IRun4Peppermint #IRun4Movement
• Chance to win prizes
• Earn money back when you refer friends

I Run 4 Holiday Spirits

• Now until December 31
• $34.99
• 5K or 10K
• I Run 4 Holiday Spirits t-shirt or tank (Hoodie upgrade available)
• Medal
• Bib
• Benefits Feeding America
• Share on social media #IRun4HolidaySpirits #IRun4Movement
• Chance to win prizes
• Earn money back when you refer friends

Cocoa Classic

• December 1 – 31
• $29.99 (early bird pricing end 12/9)
• 5K, 10K or Half Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve shirt
• Runner and snowflake medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents #CocoaClassic
• Earn 25% off next registration

14th Annual Candy Cane 5K

• December 12
• $35 + $3 mailing fee
• $40 race day + $3 mailing fee
• Shirt
• Medal
• Submit finish time on RaceJoy app
• Share on social media #BoysTownCandyCane5K
• Wear a costume for a chance to win prizes
• Benefits Boys Town Central Florida

Hot Chocolate 15K/5k

• December 20 – January 1
• 2020 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race jacket
• Virtual Run Finisher’s Medal 
• Goodie bag
• Personalized bib 
• Chocolate Finisher’s Kit (hot chocolate packets and chocolate squares)
• Submit finish time via EnMotive account to
• Digital finisher’s certificate
• Share on social media @hc15k 
• Benefits St Jude Children’s  Research Hospital

Christmas Pickle

• December 1 – 31
• $29.99 (early bird pricing end 12/10)
• 5K, 10K or Half Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve Pickle shirt
• Pickle medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents #ChristmasPickleRun
• Benefits Toys for Tots
• Earn 25% off next registration

Bah Humbug Themes

2020’s Been a Real Grinch 

• December 1 – 31
• $32.99
• 5K, 10K or Half Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve Grinch shirt
• Grinch medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Share on social media #2020sBeenARealGrinch
• Benefits Toys for Tots

Bigfoot: The Social Distancing Champion Santa Shuffle

• December 1 – 31 (Early bird deal ends 12/9)
• $29.99 – 5K, 10K or Half Marathon 
• $49.99 – Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve Bigfoot shirt
• Bigfoot medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents #BigFootSantaShuffle
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Benefits Toys for Tots

F*ck 2020

• December 31 – January 1
• $35
• 5K or 10K
• T-shirt
• Dumpster fire medal
• Bib

Ugly Christmas Sweater Themes

Ugly Christmas Sweater

• $25 – Save 10% with code SAVE10
• 5K
• Ugly Sweater Medal
• Submit time to Virtual Run Facebook Group or share on Instagram #VirtualRunDotCom 

Christmas Sweater Run

• $33.99
• 5K
• Plastic sweater lanyard
• Bib
• Knit hat
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media #GoneForaRunVirtualRaceSeries
• Benefits God’s Love We Deliver

Ugly Sweater Run

• December 21 – 27
• $50 -5K, 10K 
• $100 – Two-person Half Marathon Team
• $200 – Four- Person Team
• T-shirt
• Sweater medal
• Bib
• Benefits Oregon Food Bank

L.L. Bean Flannel Run

• December 1 – January 31
• $29 – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon
• $10 – Upgrade for quarter zip hoodie
• L.L. Bean discount
• Chance to win a $25 L.L.Bean Gift Card
• Flannel T-shirt
• Flannel medal
• Bib
• Flannel Run Sticker
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Submit finish time on Enmotive app
• Share on social media @LocoRunning #LLBeanVirtualRun

Christmas Classics

The Nutcracker Run

• December 1 – 31
• $29.99 (early bird pricing end 12/9)
• 5K, 10K or Half Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve Nutcracker shirt
• Nutcracker medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents  #TheNutcrackerRun
• Benefits Testicular Cancer Awareness
• Earn 25% off next registration

A Christmas Story

• December 1 – January 31
• $40
• 5K or 10K
• Jacket
• Wreath medal
• Beanie
• Personalized bib
• Submit your finish time online
• Share on social media @AChristmasStoryVirtual 

Home Alone

• $19 – Kevin’s AHHHHHH 5K
• $22 – McCallister House 10K
• $29 Little Nero’s 9.3 Challenge
• Medal
• Downloadable bib
• T-shirt available for an additional purchase
• Run With Character will donated $1 to a children’s charity

Hanukkah Themes

8K of Hanukkah

• December 10 -18
• $45 (Price increase after 12/10)
• 8 Krazy Ks – Run or walk a minimum of 1K each day from 12/10 to 12/18
• The Martyr: 8 Krazy Ks in one day – Run or walk 8K
• Hey 4K – Run or walk half 4K (Hey means “halb” or “half.”)
• The Maccabee – Run or walk 1K on 12/10 and add 1K each day until you reach 8Ks on the 8th day of Hanukkah, 12/18.
• Long sleeve shirt
• Dreidel medal
• Bib
• Earn cash back when your refer friends
• Benefits one of many charity Epic Races’ partners. (See site.)

8K Your Way for Hanukkah

• December 10 – 18
• FREE
• The Plotz – 0 miles, just good deeds
• The Mensch (righteous person):1 mile a day for 8 days
• The Shlep: One 8K activity for one day; then after a good shvitz, do a good deed
• The Meshugganeh: 8K a day for 8 days and some good deeds

Hanukkah 8 Krazy Kilometers

• December 10 – 18
• $24
• 8K or 2K
• Digital bib
• Medal
• Hanukkah swag 
• Raffle entry  
• Register by 12/10 to be guaranteed an event T-shirt and gaiter face mask
• Run in costume for a chance to win prizes 
• Submit finish time online
• Benefits the Kern River Parkway Foundation

8Ks of Hanukkah

• December 1 – 31 (Early bird deal ends 12/10)
• 8K or Half Marathon 
• $49.99 – Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve Hanukkah shirt
• Running dreidel medal an additional $9.99
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents #8KsofHanukkah
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Benefits local food banks

Kwanza Themes 

Kwanzaa (Umoja) Virtual 5K

• December 26 – January 1
• $30
• 5K
• Medal 
• Digital Race Bib
• Sunglasses for the first 150 registrants
• Digital Finisher’s Certificate
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media #Kwanzaa5k and tag @fbe_inc and Facebook @fitblackandeducated
• Benefits  Fit, Black, and Educated, Inc.

Ringing in the New Year

Run Out of 2020 Zone Into 2021

• 5K
• Spinning Twilight Zone 2020/2021 medal
• Bib
• Viter Energy Caffeinated Mints
• Tee $36.99
• Flowy tank $39.99
• Submit finish time online
• Share on social media #GoneForaRunVirtualRaceSeries
• Benefits Friday Night Supper Program

Bigfoot Social Distance Champion 2021 New Year’s Challenge

• December 1 – January 31 (Early bird deal ends 12/9)
• $29.99 – 5K, 10K or Half Marathon 
• $49.99 – Marathon
• Bib
• Long sleeve Bigfoot shirt
• Bigfoot New Year’s medal an additional $9.99
• Submit results online
• Share on social media @allcommunityevents #BigFootRunningChallenge
• Downloadable finisher’s certificate
• Benefits Special Olympics

Frost 5K

• December 1 – January 9
• $39.99
• 5K, 10K or Half Marathon 
• Gender-Specific Performance Irving Frost Shirt 
• Bib
• Irving Marathon Clear Clinch Bag
• Join The Movement Bracelet
• Event sticker
• Submit finish time online
• Benefits Baylor Scott & White Irving Foundation

Which December Virtual Race will you run?