About the Jingle Bell 5k Relay or 3k Individual
The course runs a short loop through Riverfront Park's Holiday Light Display, repeated a handful of times for relay teams. Runners pass through the lights on every lap, so the whole race happens inside the display rather than just cutting through it once. Individual runners do a shorter version of the same route. It is an evening race by nature, and the setting does most of the work.
Relay teams are handed glow sticks to pass off at the exchange, which keeps things moving and gives the handoff a little ceremony. The park sits in central Salem, so parking options nearby are reasonable, though the lot closest to the light display can fill early on busy winter nights.
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Distances & Start Times
5K12/5/2026 17:30$10
3K12/5/2026 17:30$10
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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