Photos by Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run

Since its start in 1977 with 10,000 runners, the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run has become a local holiday tradition. It includes a 5k and a 10k that winds through the streets of Santa Monica and Venice, including a long stretch along the Boardwalk. 

The race start is on Barnard Way near the intersection of Ocean Park Blvd. as it's been in previous years, but the new finish line will be at Pacific and Windward Avenues where the plaza will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a giant surfing Santa and mistletoe arbor for post-run photos. 

There's also a 1k Kids Fun Run course from Windward Plaza looping around the Venice traffic circle. Registration for the 5k and 10k runs are both $45, and the Kids Run is $20 until December 3. Race-day registration is $50 for the 5k and 10k, and $25 for the Kids Run. Pups on a leash are welcome to join the fun and run any of the courses too.

To add to the festivities, runners are encouraged to come dressed for the holidays and participate in the costume contest. Awards will be given for Best Christmas-Themed Costume, Best Dressed Group of 5 people or more, and Most Original Costume.

// Routes & Street Closures

A - Start Line/Barnard Way - Road closed 5:00am to 10:00am
B - Pacific Ave. btwn Rose Ave and Marine Ct. - Road closed 6:00am to 9:00am
C - Rose Ave. btwn Pacific Ave & Ocean Front Walk - Road closed 6:00am to 9:00am
D - Pacific Ave. btwn Rose Ave. & S. Venice Blvd - Road closed 6:00am to 11:00am
E - Windard Ave btwn Ocean Front Walk & Pacific Ave. - Road closed 12:00am to 2:00pm
F - South Venice Blvd. btwn Ocean Front Walk & Lincoln Blvd. - Road closed 6:00am to 10:30am
G - Abbott Kinney Blvd. btwn Venice Blvd & Washington Blvd. - Road closed 6:00am to 10:30am

For more details and registration visit Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run.