Guelph Santa Parade Run 2026

Guelph Santa Parade Run 2026 is a 3K community run in downtown Guelph that takes place just before the Santa parade rolls out. It’s a short, festive outing built around the parade route and the city’s downtown core.

Runners receive Santa costumes with registration, and the event supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph. For runners who like a seasonal local event with a clear community purpose, this one keeps things simple and very Guelph.

The race is part of the wider parade-day lineup, so the atmosphere is as much about the street scene as the running itself.

For runners comparing local trail options, it fits alongside other trail races in Guelph.

The 3K route starts on the trail behind the River Run Centre, then follows the Santa parade route through downtown Guelph. Current route notes say the course is tentative and may be updated with city construction changes. Parade participants are encouraged to stay and watch the Santa parade after the run.

• 3K run through downtown Guelph
• Starts before the community Santa parade
• Santa costume included with registration
• Supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph
• Trail-category event
• Scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 4:55 PM