Events
Christmas City Classic 5K
Christmas City Classic 5K Walk
Place
YMCA
Bethlehem, PA US 18018
Description
Voted the Number 1 Themed Race in the Lehigh Valley according to The Lehigh Valley Running Scene, the Christmas City Classic 5K will challenge you on the race course and send your Christmas Spirit soaring!
The Christmas City Classic has been around for over 30 years, a long-standing tradition in the running community! Most of our runners dress in Christmas colors or costumes, which add lots of merriment to the races. With a fun course, a festive race T-shirt, post-race refreshments included. We’re sure you’ll be calling this event one of your most favorite running events during the most wonderful time of the year!
We are bringing back the option to have a mug instead of a t-shirt this year. The mug option instead of a shirt is an additional $5.00.
You can order a mug until November 30, 2025. They have a longer order processing time so we can't offer mugs after that date. Thank you!
For shirts, you can register up through race day and you will be guaranteed a shirt!
Extra T-Shirts will be available for $18. You can also order extra mugs for $13.50 each.
This year we have decided to make the running event solely a 5k distance. This is being done to minimize the impact to morning traffic in the downtown Bethlehem Main Street area. The event is creating a traffic jam there even at that weekend hour. It's the busiest time of the year in downtown Bethlehem
Race day registration will be available from 0730am until 0830 on race day, December 13. All you'll need to do is to register here online and present yourself at registration to get your bib and shirt. You can register from your house on race morning, or from your car on race morning, or while you are walking to the registration and check in area!
Come and join us on December 13, 2024!
Race Information
Event Date: December 13, 2024
Location: YMCA, 430 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018
Event Times: 9:00 AM
Parking is available at the YMCA: We just ask the runners use the lower parking lot leaving the upper parking lot for our members
Packet Pickup
- Please Note: Packet Pickup will be at The Center Lehigh Valley Church, 529 E Broad St in Bethlehem. This is across the street from the YMCA and still close to the start/finish area. You'll find the packet pickup area to be a great place to get your shirt, safety pins and bib.
- Friday, December 12, 4:30-6:30 PM – Packet Pickup
- Saturday, December 13, 7:00-8:45 AM – Race Day Packet Pickup
Dogs and Baby Strollers:
- Sorry, dogs are not currently permitted to participate.
- Yes, you may use a baby stroller. Use caution and be safe. If the temperatures are too cold or the path is snow-covered, we recommend leaving junior at home.
LIVE results will be available on your phone immediately as you finish at link to be determined
Amenities
Chip Timing for both 5K runners and walkers
Beautiful T-shirts for pre-registered runners and walkers. The shirts are long sleeved and gender specific! You can also purchase extra shirts if you'd like when you register.
- If you register for any of the events, you will receive a t-shirt! We don't have a '"register by date to receive a shirt" date. All entries will receive a shirt. If we happen to run out of shirts on race day or we don't have your size, don't worry, we will mail your shirt to you in time for Christmas!
Mugs are back again in 2025!
Post-race refreshments and snacks.
Christmas music at Start/Finish
Christmas Costume Contest! The top winners (two individuals and one group of up to 4 people) will receive a free entry to the 2025 event and a gift card from Aardvark Sports in Bethlehem!
Awards and Age Groups
If you place first overall (female or male or non binary) in the 5 mile or 5k event, there will be an award for you! Age Group Awards are for the Top 3 for the 5 mile or 5k event. The 5k walk will have awards for first overall female, male and non binary finishers. Sorry, no age group awards for the 5k Walk.
- The awards table will be next to the PA system at the finish line. All you will need to do is to either:
- Present your printed result finish that can be done at the results laptops at the finish line, or,
- Go to https://www.secondwindtiming.com/results/ and find your age group placement in your event. Then, show this to the crew at the awards table - they will give you your award!
Age Groups for the 5 Mile and 5k events::
- 14 and under
- 15-19
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70-79
- 80-Over
COSTUME CONTEST– We will be observing individuals and groups in costume throughout the event. We will select two individuals and one group (up to 4 people) to win a plaque and Aardvark gift cards. We will do our best to announce award winners prior to the end of the race.
Course Information
The 5K course will be the same course as used in previous years for the Candy Cane 5K. We will have volunteers offering course guidance as well as marked course signs.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
