Surfin' Santa's Christmas In July 5k & Holiday Stroll
LAST YEAR WE SOLD OUT A WEEK IN ADVANCE. DON'T GET SHUT OUT THIS YEAR!
Join us Sunday, July 26th at 8:30 AM for the Surfside Hotel "Surfin’ Santa’s Christmas in July 5K and Holiday Stroll" to benefit St Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound. We have a strict, 250 person limit! Last year we sold out ahead of the race date.
You can run or walk the "chip timed" 3.11 mile/5k event Or you can walk the UNTIMED one-mile Holiday Stroll option. All abilities are welcome. *EVERYONE 21 & over is eligible for a terrific "holiday cheer" drink after their finish. (N/a drinks, other N/a fluids & soft drinks also available). Our course runs through the scenic seaside neighborhood of Lordship, in Stratford.
2026 Fundraiser Recipient: St Vincent’s Swim Across The Sound
Each Summer, swimmers make the 15.5 mile trek across the Long Island Sound from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport. The Swim raises more than $500,000 a year to support oncology programs and provide financial assistance to cancer patients and families in our community regardless of where they are treated.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- REG OPENS May 1
- July 12 - Registration deadline at midnight for guaranteed* shirt size. After that 'as available' - and we could run out
- SATURDAY, July 25, 8:30-10:30am (that's our hours, if you are early please don't feed the gulls) Bib & swag pickup across the street from the Little Pub Restaurant, Washington Parkway.
- SUNDAY, July 26
- 7:15-8:25 am Bib & swag pickup across the street from the Little Pub. Really late reg online- only if not sold out. (but we likely will be)
- 8:20am FREE Kids Fun Run (9 year old & younger only please) Directed by Kids Queen Donna!
- 8:30 am START Timed 5K RUN /walk & untimed one mile stroll
- 8:55 am Post-event snacks, bottled water, AND Holiday Cheer (21 and over only)
- Holiday Market and post-race reception begins at 9 am.
Perks:
- Paid registrants receive. Surfin Santa T-Shirt (size guarantee ends 7/12)
- Computer chip timing for the 5k
- Free parking till it fills up (don't be late please)
- A beautiful, flat, scenic course along the water
- Snacks & stuff when you are done
- All paid registrants are invited to our post-race party with a choice of Adult (21 & over) beverages TBD Non alcohol choices as well Snacks Then enjoy - more to follow. Stay tuned!
Prizes/Awards
- 1st Men’s/1st Women’s Grand Prize: THE Surfside Getaway! One night midweek getaway at the Surfside Hotel! Enjoy the beach, the bikes, & the beautiful seaside village of Lordship. Terms : one-night stay Sun-Thurs. Standard room. Based on availability. Non-holiday or weekends. 2-week advance notice is required.
- AWARDS/UNIQUE ‘Trophies’ - "Think Xmas Socks"... Special themed stuff (or gift cards) to the top M & F in age groups 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ and first non-binary. We are working on 2nd & 3rd place awards.
- SPECIAL AWARDS- SWIM ACROSS THE SOUND GIFT BASKETS Donated by Hartford Healthcare this Swim Across the Sound basket will be awarded to the participant showing the most Holiday Cheer.
EVENT INFORMATION
You can run or walk the "chip timed" 3.11 mile/5k event or walk the UNTIMED Holiday Stroll option. All abilities are welcome All participants in both events will receive the same 'swag' of shirts and more. ONLY The 5k TIMED distance participants are eligible for awards & prizes in their age groups. The untimed walk does not include any awards.
This safe, modified event follows all state guidelines and health department mandates. Parking is available in lots at the Little Pub, on Washington Pkwy, along the seawall and side streets. Please do not block a driveway & try to arrive early and carpool. This is a residential area- parking along the seawall may fill up early with non-event spectators, and sightseers. Valet parking is NOT available!
ONLINE REGISTRATION FEES
- THE 5k (3.11 miles) TIMED EVENT
- Fee for ALL ages 5/1-5/31 $33
- 6/1-6/30 $37
- 7/1-7/26 $40
- THE ONE-Mile WALK ONLY, UNTIMED EVENT
- Fee all ages 5/1-5/31 $30
- 6/1-6/30 $33
- 7/1-7/26 $35
COURSE DETAILS
great water views, 95.6% flat, and quiet roads. https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2606888 Roads are OPEN - you'll run/walk safely ON THE LEFT, FACING TRAFFIC- be aware at all times. *We ask that you NOT use ear pods of any type so you can hear any warnings during your event. THERE MIGHT NOT BE WATER TABLES ON THE COURSE. Carry your own fluids if needed.
SAFETY MODIFICATIONS
Thanks to the many Departments of Stratford we will be able to present this outdoor event. Safe distances and safety protocols will be in place, and State/Town guidelines will be met. With fixed costs & pre-payment of many items, we CANNOT REFUND any registration fees . Whether we are live or virtual our commitment to our charity will be maintained. We hope you can support this commitment and join us.
WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR A SAFE START - If you are truly at a speedy running level (6-7min pace per mile or under) we urge you to be at the start early and ready to go at the front at 8:25 am. This will avoid crowding on the course and help everyone to run more safely. Thanks!
ON THE COURSE - We ask you to stay safe and run on the left side
THE ONE-MILE STROLL IS AN UNTIMED EVENT - We ask you to keep a safe distance and please let any runners pass safely by staying to the left side of the roads on this course.
THE KIDS FUN RUN IS DIRECTED AND RUN BY THE UBIQUITOUS “QUEEN OF THE KIDS RUN” The one and only DONNA CRAMOND! We recommend 10yrs and under please. An adult can accompany a child if it helps to avoid drama. That goes for the little tyke as well. You do not want to arrive late and miss Donna’s warm up routine. Videos and pictures are encouraged.
EVENT COORDINATION
The Little Pub is proud to have a great team led by Lordship's own Jillian Bass and Owner of the LP- Doug Grabe. MS Running Productions - Marty Schaivone is the race director and coordinator of more than 35 races, including T he Little O’Pub 5k, Two Roads Shore to the Pour, the Turkey Trot in Stratford, the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge and Hot Oil 5K in Fairfield, the Great Pumpkin Classic at Trumbull High School, and many others in Fairfield County. MS Running Productions is available for event consulting & directing. Contact Marty at [email protected]
SPONSOR & PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES
If you or your company would like to partner with us, please contact Jillian & Doug [email protected]