General Information

The movie producers must have been runners, because the distance between the former Higbee 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 1940s. 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.

Vedas Fitness is our partner this year for Bag Drop and Post Race Showers! They are located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, just 2 blocks north of Public Square on St. Clair Avenue. Bag Drop availability starts at 7:00AM EST, and services and showers continue for the runners through 1:00PM EST. They are our go to place for Fitness, Spa and Wellness needs. Address: 100 St. Clair Ave NE, 3rd Floor. Cleveland. Ph: 216-298-5115 www.vedasfitness.com



SPECTATOR INFORMATION:

Spectators and Participants alike are the eyes and 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 keep yourself and those around you safe. Please join us in being vigilant of your surroundings during the A Christmas Story Run and the entire race 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 in Public Square or on West 11th Street at the A Christmas Story House & Museum area. Please leave all your personal items with a friend or family member.



RUNNER TIMING: 

Race participants will be timed utilizing the ChronoTrack B-Tag system. In celebration of the A Christmas Story Run, the bibs are part of a collector’s edition series. Runners will be able to keep their race bib as a memento after the race. Participants will be provided a bib and safety pins at registration. Wear the bib on the front of your outer-most layer of clothing on race day. Transponder pads at the start and finish will record the participant’s time for compiling the final results. Post race, participants will receive their start time and net time. Per USATF rules, Top 3 overall awards and the overall Masters award will be determined by actual gun time. All age group awards will be determined by their chip time. Final results will be posted by noon on hub.enmotive.com. The Awards Ceremony will be held promptly at 11:00AM EST in the Renaissance Hotel, inside the Conference Center Room where race day packet is held.

*Your very own Video! This year Ralphie and the gang want to capture your finish line moment! As you cross the finish line, give us your best smile and pose in your favorite “I Triple Dog Dare You,” Snow Suit, Leg Lamp costume or Bunny Suit. To see your awesome finish, just go to your results and click on the video link! Share your finish with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A Christmas Story Run wants to make your memories lasting ones!



PACE TEAMS:

MarathonPacing.com Pace Teams will once again be offered for the A Christmas Story Run. The 2019 Pace Teams promise to provide fun and excitement for both first time and experienced participants looking to reach their running goals. Whether that’s a personal best, or just getting across the finish line and having a great time, the Pace Teams are there for you. You can read about the Pacers and see the roster of times at MarathonPacing.com.

Twenty minutes prior to the start of the race, your pacer will be holding a sign with your desired pace. Find them and get to know them. They will be able to help you greatly while on the course. You will have time to stretch near your pacer while they introduce themselves. This service is complimentary to participants.



AWARDS AND POST-RACE AMENITIES:

Saturday, December 5, 2020
11:00AM – 12:00PM EST
Renaissance Hotel

Christmas music will set the mood for the post race awards ceremony that will feature guest appearances, photo-ops, and lots of fun!

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

  • Top 3 Overall Male & Female
  • Top Male & Female Masters
  • Top 3 Male & Female in each age group

AGE GROUP AWARDS will be awarded to the top 3 men and women in each age group. Age group categories will be 0-14 for the 10K and 0-9 for the 5K and then in increments of every 5 years all the way up to 70+. If age group winners are unable to attend award ceremony, age group awards will be available for mailing through December 10 for a modest Shipping & Handling fee.  Email Jim@MarathonPacing.com to arrange that.

Overall and Master winners WILL NOT be eligible for Age Group awards. There will also be no double dipping in the Overall and Master award categories as well. As a reminder, per USATF Rules, top overall and top Master awards are determined by gun time. Age group awards are determined by bib time. Additionally, you must comply with the USATF headphones rule or risk eligibility for an overall award.