About the Sneakers For Santa
The course starts at Reynolds Lodge at Lake Shawnee and heads north along the water. The surroundings are open and pleasant, and the lake stays close for most of the route. The race benefits a local organization that puts new shoes on kids' feet, so there is a clear purpose behind the morning.
The post-race scene at the lodge is busy: costume contest, a bake sale, a kids' gingerbread contest, and a chance to get a photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Holiday attire is encouraged, and plenty of people show up in costume. Registration opens well before the gun goes off.
Free race emails
Get the Weekly RunSesh
Get races near Topeka in your inbox. Every Monday we send the races coming up, and every Thursday we send the ones happening that weekend.
Two helpful emails per week. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Distances & Start Times
5K12/5/2026 09:00$25
1 Mile12/5/2026 10:00$10
Pictures with Santa12/5/2026 09:15Free
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
Traveling for this race? The map shows hotels and rentals in and around Topeka — pan or zoom to compare what's nearby.
The map is provided by Stay22. If you book through it, RunSesh may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — it never affects the races we list.
