FAQs
The Reindeer Run is a holiday tradition in Lakewood, Ohio. It includes a 5K road race, a b.a Sweetie Dasher Dash (quarter-mile race) and a Merry Mile (1 mile untimed walk).
This year the Reindeer Run celebrates it's 27th year running on Sunday, December 13, 2026 at Lakewood Park! 🦌🎅
The Reindeer Run benefits Love Doesn't Shove. More information about their organization and how to donate can be found HERE.
Online registration opens on July 1st and it will close 30 minutes before the start on race morning (Sunday, December 13).
- Participants can register online at reindeerruncleveland.com
If you prefer paying by check, you can mail a paper entry form linked HERE with payment to Hermes Sports & Events
- Payments must be received by Wednesday, December 10.
- Participants can also pay by cash or check, and bring payment to one of the early packet pickups.
Once you register online or once we receive your paper registration form, a confirmation email will be sent to confirm your payment and registration is complete.
If you have any questions, you can email us at roadracing@hermescleveland.com or call 216-623-9933
- A Chip Timed 5K Race Bib w/ Live Results
- A Reindeer Run Swag Apparel Item
- A Reindeer Run Finisher Medal Ornament to display on your holiday tree!
- Searchable Race Photographs with Santa & Dasher
- Music, Food and Refreshments
- Overall and Age Group Awards
- Access to Event Sponsors
- The Opportunity to Support local Lakewood Charities during the Holiday Season!
- Dasher Dash Kiddos receive a Race Bib, B. a. Sweetie Goody Bag (at the finish line), and the option of a Santa Hat or Reindeer Antlers!
5K Run/Merry Mile Prices
- Early Bird (July 1 - Dec 1) - $35.00
- Late Race (Dec 2 - Dec 12) - $40.00
- Kids 10 & Under (thru race day) - $25.00
- Dasher Dash (6 & under) - $10.00)
- You can also save $5 on any of these prices by selecting "no shirt" at check out
You can pick up your packet (bib and race swag) at one of our early pickup locations. If you cant make it to an early pickup, you can also pick up you packet on race day!
Early Packet Pickups:
Thursday, December 11 (4PM-6PM)
📍Dick's Sporting Goods - Avon
35521 Chester Rd, Avon, OH 44011
Friday, December 12 (11AM-1PM)
📍Hermes Sports Office
2425 W. 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
If you are picking up for a group of 5 or more at an early pickup, email us 1 day before with names/pickup location and we'll pre-pack for a speedier checkout!
roadracing@hermescleveland.com
🏁Race Day Pickup at Lakewood Park from 7:00-8:50am
Please plan to arrive at least one hour before the 9:00AM start, as lines may be long.
- Bring your scannable QR code from your confirmation email.
- Friends and family can also pick up your packet for you using this email.
Parking is available in and around Lakewood Park (14532 Lake Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107). People arriving after 8AM may need to park along nearby streets
Schedule of events:
- Dasher Dash - 8:45 AM
- 50-100 yard dash - designed for kid's 6 and under (distance based on age)
- 5K Run - 9:00 AM
- Merry Mile - 9:00 AM - please line up behind all 5K participants
The races all begin in Lakewood Park (14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107). The Start line for all of the events is in the middle of the park - look for the flutter flags.
The race is officially timed using a disposable Bib tag timing system with state-of-the-art Mylaps timing mats. All registered participants will receive a race bib number with a timing tag stuck to the back. Please do not alter the bib in any way. The race bib must be visible and worn on the front, outermost layer of clothing the entire race. BibTag Timing chips will be adhered in any way. Bib numbers and tags are non-transferrable and must be worn by the registrants whom they have been assigned.
Results are posted LIVE on the Reindeer Run website! In addition, there will be scannable QR codes displayed all around the finish line area for quick access with your phone.
Contact roadracing@hermescleveland.com after results are officially posted. If you did not wear a bib during the race, you will not receive a result.
Yes! Special holiday awards are provided to:
- Top 3 overall make and female finishers in the 5K
- Top 3 finishers (male and female) in these age groups
- 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24...(up to 80+)
- The Jess Bell Senior Division Awards (for top male and female finishers 60+)
Awards are passed out at the same location as registration - please come to the Awards table to claim your award after the race!
You can pick up your award at the Hermes office (2425 West 11th St. Cleveland, OH) - call or email us before you plan to stop by 216-623-9933.
You can also have your award sent to your next race by sending us an email to roadracing@hermesceleveland.com.
There is no mailing of awards. Awards can be claimed for up to 30 days after the race.
Yes! This race is offering up to a $30 refund on your registration just by referring your friends to participate!
- After you register, you will receive a custom referral rewards link in your email. This should be shared with friends on social media, email or text.
- For every 3 participants to register using your personalized shareable referral code, you will receive $10 back on your original form of payment. This is automatic and nothing else needs to be done on the participants end to receive a refund!
Additional details can be found HERE.
- There are a maximum of 9 referrals accepted for this discount.
We do not offer refunds. All entries are non-refundable and non-transferable to future races. You can transfer your entry to another person for free before packet pickup!
You can transfer entry to another person by
1. Logging into RunSignUp and choosing "Gift Transfer"
2. Entering the new runner's name and email
3. Once they regsiter, your entry is removed.
Follow This link for more instructions
**If you can't attend the race, you can still pick up your t-shirt and packet from an early pickup or by calling us at 216-623-9933.
Yes! Volunteer opportunities will be listed HERE after registration opens in July. Volunteers are asked to help with race day check-in from 7:00am-9:00am. We will provide you with a race shirt too!
Walking is welcome, but police may ask late walkers to move to the sidewalk after 10am (1 hour after the start). If you plan to walk, make sure you line up at the back of the race start line.
Ohio weather is unpredictable! One year it was in the teens with snow and another year it was 50s and sunny. Be prepared for anything!
You should bring your registration confirmation (if picking up your packet), your race bib, and anything else you will need for the race.
There is no bag check unless you are a Road Race Series member. Most participants park at Lakewood Park and can easily drop items off at their vehicle before the start.
This course does not have hills. It is flat and fast - perfect for a 5K PR!
Yes! But for safety, please start at the back of the pack.
Yes! We'll send packet pickup reminders before race week.
For more specific questions, check the Reindeer Run page, email us at roadracing@hermescleveland.com, or call us at 216-623-9933.
You can also find the Facebook Event on our Facebook page at HermesRoadRacing
