FAQ's
About Viking Relays & Races
What are the Viking Relays & Races?
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The Viking Relay & Races is a endruance race in Cleveland, Ohio , including a 5K road race and a kid's Dasher Dash.
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This year, the Reindeer Run celebrates it's 26th year running on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at South Mastick's Cottonwood Picnic Pavilion!
Registration Information
- Online registration opens July 1 and closes 30 minutes before the start on race morning on December 13.
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Participants can register online at ReindeerRunCleveland.com
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Those paying by check can mail this paper entry form HERE with payment to Hermes Sports & Events (2425 W. 11th St. Suite 2. Cleveland, OH 44113). Payments must be received by Wednesday, December 10.
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Participants can also pay by cash or check and bring payment to one of the early packet pickups.
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A confirmation email will be sent once payment is received.
2025 Fees
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💰 5K - Early Bird (July 1 - Dec 1) – $35
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💰 5K - Late Rate (Dec 2 - Race Day) – $40
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👦 5K - Kids (10 & under) – $25
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🦌 Dasher Dash ( 8 & under) – $10
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Save $5 by selecting "no-shirt" at check-out
Refer and Save $
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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!
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For every 3 participants to register using your personalized shareable referral code, you will receive $10 back on your original form of payment - maximum 9 referrals!
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Additional Details at https://help.runsignup.com/support/solutions/articles/17000063164-become-a-referrer
What's Included
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A Chip Timed 5K w/ Live Results
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A Reindeer Run Swag Apparel Item
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A Reindeer Run Finisher Medal Ornament to display on your holiday tree!
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Searchable Race Photographs with Santa & Dasher
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Music, Food and Refreshments
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Overall and Age Group Awards
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Optional novelty swag for purchase including beanies and race shirts!
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Access to Event Sponsors
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The Opportunity to Support local Lakewood Charities During the Holiday Season!
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Dasher Dash Kiddos Receive a Race Bib , Goody Bag (at finish) and the Option of Santa Hat or Reindeer Antlers!
📦 Packet Pick-Up Information
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Early pickup dates & locations listed HERE later in the year!
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Participants can pick up for others, but should have their confirmation email handy just to be safe.
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If picking up for 5 or more, email roadracing@hermescleveland.com with your list and we will pre-pack for a speedier checkout
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Race Day pickup is available, but participants should plan to arrive early, as lines may be long!
Race Day Logistics & Information
🅿️ Where can I park on race morning?
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Parking is available in and around Lakewood Park.
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Address: 14532 Lake Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107
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Those arriving late may need to park along nearby streets
📅 When does each event begin?
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🗓 Saturday, December 13, 2025
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🦌 Dasher Dash – 8:45 AM
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🏃♂️ 5K Run – 9:00 AM
📍 Where does the race begin?
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Lakewood Park (14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107)
🕖 When does race day registration/packet pickup begin?
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7:30 AM
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Those who did not pick up their race packet at an early packet pickup should plan to arrive before 8:00 am
Timing, Results & Awards
⏱️ How is this race timed?
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The race is officially timed using a disposable Bib tag timing system with state-of-the-art Mylaps timing mats🎟️.
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Bibs and Timing Tags?
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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.
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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.
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Bib numbers and tags are non-transferrable and must be worn by the registrants whom they have been assigned.
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📊 Where can I see my results?
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Results are posted LIVE on the Reindeer Run website
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Scannable QR codes are displayed all around the finish line area for quick access with your phone!
❌ What if my results are incorrect or missing?
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Contact 📧 roadracing@hermescleveland.com after results are officially posted.
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If you did not wear a bib during the race, you will not receive a result.
🏆 Does this race provide awards?
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Yes! 🎄 Special holiday awards for:
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🥇🥈🥉 Top 3 overall male & female finishers in the 5K
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Top Overall finishers are based on Gun Time.
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If you believe you will be a top finisher, please start at the front of the race.
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🏅 Top 3 finishers (male & female) in these age groups:
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👦 10 & under | 🏃 11-14 | 🏃 15-19 | 🏃 20-24 | ... (up to 80+)
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Age Group Awards are based on Chip Time.
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🏅 The Jess Bell Senior Division Awards (for top male and female finishers 60+)
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Awards are passed out at the same location as registration - please come to the Awards table to claim your award race morning!
📬 I couldn’t pick up my award—how can I get it?
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🏢 Pick up at the Hermes Office (2425 West 11th St. Cleveland, OH - call or email us before you plan to stop out 216-623-9933)
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🏃♂️ Have it sent to your next Hermes race (email 📧 roadracing@hermescleveland.com)
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🚫 No mailing of awards – Awards can be claimed for up to 30 days after the race.
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Refunds & Transfers
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💵 Can I get a refund or transfer to another person?
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🚫 No refunds – all entries are non-refundable & non-transferable to future races.
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✅ You can transfer your entry to another person for free before packet pickup!
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🔁 How do I transfer my registration?
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1️⃣ Log into RunSignUp and choose "Gift Transfer"
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2️⃣ Enter the new runner's name & email 📧
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3️⃣ Once they register, your entry is removed
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More info 👉 How-To Transfer
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👕 If I can’t attend, can I still get my t-shirt and packet?
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Yes! Pick up at our office the following week or at packet pickup📍 (Call 216-623-9933 before coming in).
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We do not mail packets after the event.
Miscellaneous
Can I volunteer?
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Yes! volunteer opportunities will be listed HERE after registration opens in July.
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Volunteers are asked to help with race day check-in from 7:00am-9:00am and a race shirt is provided!
🚶 Do I have to run, or can I walk?
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Walking is welcome, but police may ask late walkers to move to the sidewalk after 10am (1 hour after the Start).
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Walkers must line up at the back of the race start line.
🌡️ What is the weather like?
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Ohio weather is unpredictable! ❄️ One year it was in the teens with snow, another year it was 50s & sunny ☀️.
🎒 What should I bring?
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📧 Registration confirmation (if picking up packet)
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🎟️ Race bib (if you already picked up at early packet pickup)
📈 How is the course—are there hills?
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No! Flat & fast – perfect for a 5K PR!
🎒 Is there a bag check?
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No bag check ❌ unless you're a Road Race Series member.
🐶👶 Can I bring my dog or stroller?
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Yes! But for safety, please start at the back of the pack.
📩 Will I get race updates?
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Yes! We’ll send packet pickup reminders before race week.
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For more specific questions, check the Reindeer Run page, email us at roadracing@hermescleveland.com, or call us at 216-623-9933 📞.
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Find the Facebook Event on our Facebook Page at HermesRoadRacing