About the Christmas City Under the Lights 5K & 1Mile - Minden, NE
The race runs through downtown Minden before sunrise, with the courthouse Christmas lights overhead the whole way. Runners carry glow sticks in the dark, and the route circles the historic courthouse square. Holiday costumes are encouraged, so expect Santa hats and reindeer antlers scattered through the field.
Check-in opens before the first wave goes off, with the 5K starting ahead of the fun run. The start line sits outside the Opera House, right in the heart of downtown. Proceeds from the morning go toward the city's anniversary celebration, which gives the event a specific local weight beyond just a holiday 5K.
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Distances & Start Times
5K12/5/2026 07:00$20
1 Mile12/5/2026 07:10$15
1 Mile12/5/2026 07:10Free
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Not sure what to aim for? The 5K pace chart lists the pace for every finish time.
Where to Stay
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