Event Summary


DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020
TIME: 9:00AM EST
LOCATION: CLEVELAND, OHIO


The movie producers must have been runners, because the distance between the former Higbee’s Department Store and the A Christmas Story House & Museum is about 5K. Ralphie’s dad, The Old Man must have used the 1938 Oldsmobile to track the distance – No GPS in the 1940’s! To accommodate both movie locations that made this race famous, the distance for the races are approximate, and perhaps a little shorter or longer.

Come join us at 9:00 AM EST on December 5, 2020 as we take you back down Memory Lane to the movie set locations that made this movie famous. Dress up like Ralphie, run in a Leg Lamp Costume or jog in the Bunny Suit that Aunt Clara gave Ralphie for Christmas! This race attracts serious runners, everyday runners and walkers alike!  We are family friendly and hope to add to your Christmas spirit during the holiday season.

The 5K will run to the A Christmas Story House & Museum. The 10K will run to the House and back to the original starting area at Public Square. For the 5K runners we are bringing you right back to the center of Cleveland, in front of the old HIGBEES building where the movie was filmed.

A Christmas Story House & Museum is located at 3159 W. 11th St. Cleveland, OH 44109.

Spectator Information:

Master Ralphie Parker wants to share his 3 favorite places to watch your favorite runners on race day!

  • Starting Line: In in front of Tower City Center at Public Square at the starting line
  • Mid Course: Lincoln Park on West 14th St.
  • Finishing area: The corner of West 11th St and Rowley Ave. (just before the 5K finish line at the A Christmas Story House & Museum).  
  • We also have two official “CHEER STATIONS” along the route!  We are happy to announce this year that Grumpy’s Café on West 14th St and the Clark Bar on Clark Ave will be celebrating and cheering on the runners!  Come to these great establishments as they support the run! Spectators need to arrive between 8:00AM-8:45AM to ensure positioning before the start of the races.

Participant Safety and Public Safety:
Spectators and participants alike are the eyes and ears of safety for all that are involved in this event. If a person is in need of medical assistance, call 911 and notify race officials immediately. Your response is key to the safety of others. EMS will be on alert if assistance is needed. Intersections will be staffed by police officers, security personnel and course marshals. Please follow their instructions for the safety of you and others. Thank you in advance for your diligence.

Thank you for helping to keep yourself and those around you safe. Please join us in being vigilant of your surroundings during the A Christmas Story 5K/10K Run Weekend. If you see a suspicious person, object or vehicle along or near the race course, report the sighting to 911 or to law enforcement personnel.

Do not store, hide or leave any personal items, backpacks, packages or clothes along or near the race course, including the start and finish line areas areas on Huron Street or on West 11th Street at the A Christmas Story House & Museum area. Please leave your personal items with a friend or family member.