5k... 3 ways!

2025 RESULTS

ABOUT THE RACE

Ho ho hold on to your sneakers ... We're throwing you for a LOOP!

The Santa Shuffle will look a little different in 2026 as we bring you an all new challenge that will test your strength and endurance!

The Santa Shuffle 1 Hour Loop Challenge will feature a .75 mile loop around and through West Park. How many laps of the loop can you complete in one hour? Of course, if you know West Park, you know that this won't be a flat course, and runners will be tested with 2 uphill climbs each loop.

Pre-registered runners will receive a custom hoodie, and all runners will receive a finisher's medal. After the race, you are invited to join us at our post-race party, hosted by Roc City Bar & Grill (508 E Moen Ave, Rockdale).

The Santa Shuffle is a chip tracked race, and sensor pads will be place at .25 mile intervals on the course. The overall male / female and masters (age 50+) male / female winners will be awarded prizes. In addition, age group awards will be given to the top male/female finishers in each age bracket. Winners will be determined by the number of laps completed. In the event of a tie, multiple age group awards will be given prizes. Please see the FAQs for age group brackets.

$42 pre-reg thru Nov 8 | $47 Nov 9-Dec 4 | $55 race day

The Santa Shuffle is the third race in the 2026 run3 series. Register for all three Joliet Park District races to receive free custom run3 swag. Click here to register for the run3 bundle (available Feb 1 - Mar 31).

How can I register for the Santa Shuffle?

You can register online, in-person at the Joliet Park District, 3000 W Jefferson St in Joliet or call 815-741-7275 x100.

Can I run the Santa Shuffle virtually?

There will not be a separate virtual registration for the Santa Shuffle. Virtual runners must pick up their packets in person. Runners who choose to register for the race and run virtually on their own are still eligible for run3 swag.

Will race day registration be available?

Race day registration will be available if the race does not sell out. Race day registration is $55. Please note that apparel availability and size selection may be limited on race day.

Is there a group registration rate? How do I sign up my group?

Organized groups of 15 or more runners can receive a $5 discount on each runner’s registration. Interested groups may contact Denise Ryan for more information – dryan@jolietpark.org. *Inwood Run Club members are not eligible for group discounts.*

When and where is packet pickup?

Race packet pickup for pre-registered runners will be Friday, December 4 from 6a-7p in the Community Room at Inwood Athletic Club (3000 W. Jefferson in Joliet). Packet pickup also will be available on race day at Roc City Bar & Grill.

Do you allow walkers?

Yes, walkers are welcome to register for the Santa Shuffle!

How does this race work?

All participants will start at 9:00a, and a clock will be set for one hour. Bibs will be chipped, and each complete lap of the course will be counted. Timing pads will be located every .25 miles, allowing for 1/3 and 2/3 laps to be counted for the final loop. Winners will be determined by the number of laps (full and partial) completed at the end of the one hour.

What if I can't run or walk for an hour (or just don't want to)?

Race participants are welcome to finish their race and leave the course at any time. There is no requirement to run or walk for the entire duration of the race.

What happens if I'm late? Do I still get the full hour to run?

All runners will be bound to the same one hour clock. Late runners will not be allowed additional time.

Will there be a water stop?

Yes! A water stop will be available within the loop. (Look for it at the top of the West Park hill near the pavilion and port-o-lets.)

What if I don't complete my final lap before the time is up?

Timing pads will be placed every .25 miles, and 1/3 and 2/3 laps will be recorded on the final loop.

Is there an available course map?

The 2026 Santa Shuffle will start and end at West Park (corner of Belleview Ave and Wheeler Ave in Joliet).

COURSE MAP

Where should I park on race day?

Runners are encouraged to park in the area around Roc City Bar & Grill (508 E Moen Ave, Rockdale). A free shuttle will transport runners from Roc City to West Park and back. Race day packet pickup will be at Roc City.

SHUTTLE HOURS:

PRE-RACE 8:00a-9:10a

POST-RACE 9:45a-10:30a

Runners who prefer to park near the race site should plan to utilize street parking in the West Park area.

Individuals in need of handicap parking access should contact Denise at dryan@jolietpark.org.

PARKING

Will there be a gear check area?

Yes, gear check will be available in the pavilion at the race site (West Park). Runners must pick up their gear immediately after finishing their laps. Any leftover items will be available for pickup starting Monday, December 7 at 8:00a at Inwood Athletic Club.

Can I run with my dog? What about a stroller?

For the safety of all participants, your children and your pets, we do not permit pets or strollers (or wagons or bikes or rollerblades) on the course.

What are the age group brackets for awards?

The top male and female finishers in each age group will receive an award. In the event of a tie, multiple age group awards will be given. Age group brackets for the Santa Shuffle are:

0-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80+

How does my company become a Santa Shuffle sponsor?

Contact Beth Ley, Corporate Relations Supervisor, for more information on sponsorship or participation in any of the Joliet Park District run3 race events: 815-741-7274 x 319 –OR– bley@jolietpark.org

Still have questions? Need more information?

Contact Denise at dryan@jolietpark.org

No refunds due to inclement weather and/or race cancellation.

Santa Shuffle

1 hour lap challenge presented by

Sunday, December 6 | 9:00a

race start/finish - West Park