Christmas Mountain 5 Mile Run at Riverside Park

The Christmas Mountain 5 Mile Run celebrates Thanksgiving weekend and the lighting of Christmas Mountain in Salida on Friday, November 27, 2026. The 5 mile course begins and ends by Riverside Park in downtown Salida, and a 1 mile run is also offered. The organizer designed the race for all runners and encourages all ages and abilities to take part.

The 5 mile race starts at 10:00 AM on a new course this year, using city and county roads and concrete pedestrian paths. It is scenic and mostly flat, with about 215 feet of elevation gain. The 1 mile run starts at about 10:05 AM, heading down Sackett Avenue and turning around after a half mile. Roads and paths stay open during the race, and there are no aid stations, so runners should carry their own water and nutrition.

Packet pickup is in Riverside Park from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM, and race day registration is available for all events through the RunSignup app by credit card or Apple Pay only. Current registration is $45 for the 5 mile run, with youth 16 and under paying less, and $10 for the 1 mile run, plus processing fees. Prices rise to $55 and $15 from November 23 through race day. The 1 mile run is timed, and every 1 mile participant receives a ribbon and post-race snacks.

Awards take place in Riverside Park at about 11:15 AM. Prize money goes to the top three men and women overall ($150, $100, and $75) and the first place male and female masters runners 40 and over ($100), and Christmas Mountain themed awards go to the top three men and women overall and in each age group. Post-race drinks and snacks are served in the park.

Dogs and strollers are not allowed in the 5 mile run but are welcome in the 1 mile run, with dogs on a leash, and runners are asked not to use earbuds. Salida’s Parade of Lights follows that evening at 6:00 PM. The race raises money for the Chaffee County Community Foundation. Register on RunSignup through the link on this page. Details are subject to change, so always confirm with the organizer before registering.