

16th Annual Rudolph Fun Run
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
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When and where is 16th Annual Rudolph Fun Run?
16th Annual Rudolph Fun Run is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 in Houston, Texas. The first event starts at 7:45 AM local time. Distances: Short, 5K, 10K and fun run. Current entry fees run $20 to $65 on RunSignup, before processing fees. Online registration is open and closes Dec 11, 2026.
Rudolph Fun Run race guide
The Rudolph Fun Run is a 16th annual Christmas 10K, 5K and 1K through decorated Memorial-area neighborhoods, starting from Bendwood Park in Houston on Saturday, December 12, 2026. The 10K starts at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:05, Santa arrives at 8, and every registered runner gets a medal.
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Venue
- Bendwood Park
- 10K start
- 8:00 a.m.
- 5K start
- 8:05 a.m.
- Course closes
- 10:00 a.m.
- Edition
- 16th annual
Rudolph Fun Run FAQ
When and where is the Rudolph Fun Run?
Saturday, December 12, 2026, at Bendwood Park, 12700 Kimberly Park, Houston, new this year for easier parking and more for kids to do. The Cupid 1K starts at 7:45 a.m. (the description says 7:40), the Dasher 10K (two loops) at 8 and the Rudolph 5K (one loop) right after; awards are at 9:45 and the course closes at 10.
How much does the Rudolph Fun Run cost?
Current RunSignup entry fees, before processing fees: Dasher 10k Fun Run - Timed $65; Rudolph 5k Fun Run - Timed $65; Dasher 10k Fun Run - Non Timed $55; Rudolph 5k Fun Run - Non Timed $55; Cupid 1k Fun Run - Non Timed $20.
Are the races timed?
You choose: the 5K and 10K each come in timed and untimed versions, and the 1K is untimed. Timed runners get a chip on the back of the bib. There’s also a virtual 5K. Walkers, joggers and strollers are welcome.
Where is packet pickup?
Wednesday, December 9, noon–5:30 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 122 Vintage Park Blvd., and Friday, December 11, noon–5:30 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 6590 Woodway. A Thursday pickup was still TBA.
What do runners get?
A T-shirt and finisher medal, photos with Santa and post-race treats including mimosas. The best Christmas costume wins a gift card. Awards go to the first overall man and woman and the top three in each age group in the 5K and 10K; they aren’t mailed.
Can I get a refund?
No. The race goes on rain or shine and isn’t rescheduled.
Race facts checked November 9, 2026 against RunSignup: Rudolph Fun Run. Entry fees come from RunSignup. Always confirm details with the race before you travel.
Events & distances
| Event | Distance | Start | Entry fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cupid 1k Fun Run - Non Timed | 1K | Dec 12, 2026, 7:45 AM | $20.00 until Dec 11, 2026 | Opens Feb 4, 2026 · Closes Dec 11, 2026 |
| Rudolph Virtual Run | 3.1 Miles | Dec 12, 2026, 7:45 AM | $40.00 until Dec 11, 2026 | Opens Feb 4, 2026 · Closes Dec 11, 2026 |
| Dasher 10k Fun Run - Timed | 6.2 Miles | Dec 12, 2026, 8:00 AM | $65.00 until Dec 11, 2026 | Opens Feb 4, 2026 · Closes Dec 11, 2026 |
| Dasher 10k Fun Run - Non Timed | 6.2 Miles | Dec 12, 2026, 8:00 AM | $55.00 until Dec 11, 2026 | Opens Feb 4, 2026 · Closes Dec 11, 2026 |
| Rudolph 5k Fun Run - Timed | 3.1 Miles | Dec 12, 2026, 8:05 AM | $65.00 until Dec 11, 2026 | Opens Feb 4, 2026 · Closes Dec 11, 2026 |
| Rudolph 5k Fun Run - Non Timed | 3.1 Miles | Dec 12, 2026, 8:05 AM | $55.00 until Dec 11, 2026 | Opens Feb 4, 2026 · Closes Dec 11, 2026 |
Fees shown are the RunSignup price tier in effect now, before processing fees. Times are local to the race.
About 16th Annual Rudolph Fun Run
Join us for the 16th Annual Rudolph 5k Fun Run, Dasher 10k and Cupid 1k starting at our new location, Bendwood Park, and running through the area neighborhoods while enjoying all the Christmas Decorations. We welcome all ages and runner speeds, walkers, joggers, strollers and all those wanting to have. This year we have moved our fun run to Bendwood Park located just around the corner at 12700 Kimberly Park which offers more for the kids to do and easier parking. We will have the same route outside of a 1/2 mile, but all distances have been confirmed.
Smile for the camera as we judge to see who has the best Christmas costume and win a great gift card. Enjoy pictures with Santa Claus and special treats after the fun run including mimosas and much more. All registered athletes will receive a medal and more.
1k Cupid Run starts at 7:40am followed by the 10k Dasher Run at 8am and Rudolph 5k Run at 8:05am.
We look forward to seeing you this year!
Description provided by the race organizer via RunSignup.
Race data provided by RunSignup and refreshed every morning(last sync Nov 12, 2026). Registration happens on RunSignup; Lone Star Strides may earn a referral commission at no cost to you. Always confirm dates and details on the official race page.
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