The holiday season is about to sparkle a little brighter in Hamilton as the annual VRPro Hamilton Santa Race returns to the waterfront on Sunday, December 15th. Picture 1,000 Santas dashing, walking, and jingling along the Bayfront trail. Dressed head to toe in festive red and white, the runners bring the joy of the season to life, one step at a time. Race Director, Kelly Arnott says, “The Hamilton Race will be held 9 days before Christmas, so if people haven’t started thinking about Christmas yet, they will when they put their Santa suit on. I think it’s going to be a really fun event. We’ll have a great time with these runners.”
This isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of community and holiday spirit as runners from across the Golden Horseshoe come together to share smiles, laughter, and some friendly competition.
Race Day
The festive magic of the Hamilton Santa Race comes alive at the Discovery Centre on Discovery Drive near the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. The fun begins at 10am with the 1K run, designed for the smaller Santas and their families.
At 10:30am, the energy ramps up as the 5K and 10K runners take their marks, with the route starting and ending at the Discovery Centre. Arnott says, “We’re gathering inside the Discovery Centre and it’s a wonderful venue.
The magic continues
The magic doesn’t end at the finish line. Top runners in each category will be awarded a keepsake Santa snow globe. All participants will receive a magical Christmas Finisher’s Medal that opens to reveal a cheerful Santa saying, “Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas.” Runners in the 1K race will receive an Elf Hat.
Inside the Discovery Centres runners are invited to have a massage and enjoy a piping hot bowl of Stagg Chili while festive music fills the air. Williams Fresh Café will be selling coffee and hot chocolate for $1, while runners share their stories and engage in the camaraderie. Arnott says, “The Santa Races have become so popular that about 400 participants are runners who return every year because they enjoy the festivities so much. We’ve all become like family. We really try to give the runners a great experience on the course and the gifts of goodies at the end. It’s not about the fastest on the course, it’s about embracing the sprit of the season, spreading joy, and sharing in a community experience.” Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, Race Day has a festive spirit.
Race Kit Pickups are on Friday, December 13th at the Stoney Creek Running Room at 1791 Stone Church Road East from noon to 5pm and on Saturday, December 14th from 11am to 4pm. Runners can also pick up their race kits before the races begin on Sunday. Register online here.
Supporting those in need
The Hamilton Santa Race is also about spreading goodwill to those who need it most. Participants are encouraged to bring food or monetary donations to support Mission Services, a vital organization that provides meals and support services to approximately 20,000 people each year. Arnott says, “We’ve already raised about $900 for Mission Services. Our goal will be $5,000. The need is great in Hamilton and even a small act of kindness can make a big difference for individuals struggling this holiday season.”
Organizers are also asking runners to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the CHCH Christmas Toy Drive.
Burlington Eaton Santa Parade Race
The VRPro Burlington Santa Parade Race kicks off the festivities on Sunday, December 1st with700 runners, dressed in Santa suits running in front of the Burlington Santa Parade. It’s a 3K festive run, starting in front of the YMCA Building at 500 Drury Lane and finishing on Baldwin Street. Participants who are running in both the Burlington and Hamilton Races have their choice of two different Finisher’s Medals. Kelly Arnott says, “Following the race, downtown Burlington restaurants will be welcoming racers into their establishments. Everyone will have a lot of fun.”
Runners are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation to “Food for Life”, which collects surplus perishable food from food suppliers and grocery stores and re-distributes it to those in need.
Race kit pickups for the Burlington Santa Parade are Friday, November 29th and Saturday, November 30th at the Burlington Running Room Store, 3300 Fairview Stret, in Burlington, from 11am to 4pm.
A timeless tradition
VRPro’s Santa Races in both Hamilton and Burlington are a celebration of the season, their communities, and the timeless charm of holiday traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a festive enthusiast, or simply want to enjoy the holiday spirit, these events are opportunities to kick off December on the right foot.
So, lace up your running shoes, secure those Santa hats, and enjoy the merriest runs of the year. The spirit of the season is calling.
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