Run for a Claus
Irvine, CA
- 5K, 1 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Southern California’s most popular Holiday Run is BACK! The OC Marathon presents the annual Run For a Claus 5K and Kids 1 Mile Run/Walk benefiting various charity partners as well as its own Kids Run the OC Foundation. All runners will receive a commemorative giveaway, Santa Hat, a finisher’s medal … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Dec 20):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 65 | 67 | 68 | 68 | 66 |
| L (°F) | 55 | 50 | 60 | 43 | 45 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
The Hills of UCI @ Run 4 a Claus
The Course at University of California at Irvine is very hilly and it really kicked my ass! That aside this is a class production from the folks at OC Marathon … MORE
The Course at University of California at Irvine is very hilly and it really kicked my ass! That aside this is a class production from the folks at OC Marathon and is in it’s third year. The parking garage on campus is $10 cash so be ready for that if you want to park close (I may try to park across the street at the plaza next year).
There is no T-Shirt for this event – you will be given a Santa beard and a logo’d Santa Cap. At the finish you will be given a logo’d mug and a medal.
In my review last year I mentioned how the expo booths near the finished were told not to pass out samples until after the run and it was awkward. This year it seems more lax.
Class MC, Rudy, is on hand for this event which featured a 1-Mile Run before the start of the 5K. Last two years they had carolers but they were absent this year. The Salvation Army is on hand for donations. There is a Gear Check. This is a good Christmas Event – just do not expect a PR!
Great cause.
UCI campus. Enjoyed it although it had some hills that increased dificulty I think everyone made it. Hot cocoa at the end and best costume contest at the medal ceremony. MORE
UCI campus. Enjoyed it although it had some hills that increased dificulty I think everyone made it. Hot cocoa at the end and best costume contest at the medal ceremony.
Christmas Run from OC Marathon Folks
Run for a Claus is at University of Irvine and Benefits Wounded Warrior Project, Toys for Tots and Salvation Army. Nice, Festive Run through the campus - the campus has … MORE
Run for a Claus is at University of Irvine and Benefits Wounded Warrior Project, Toys for Tots and Salvation Army.
Nice, Festive Run through the campus – the campus has hills! Not a flat run.
Some notes about the expo. They do not serve samples until after the run so you basically go to the booths while you are waiting for the race to start and say hi and come back later. A little awkward.
Major awkward is the mug they attempt to give you as you finish the run. This is my second year and they still can’t pull it off. The passing of the mugs is very disorganized. It’s unclear what the point is. Are we supposed to get in line with the mug to get hot chocolate and samples? It’s what most people try to do but it falls apart rather quickly since the hot chocolate isn’t even the first thing you come to. People get angry and it kind of falls apart.
The volunteers are doing their best (Thanks, guys). Someone in the organization needs to do a walk though of the finish and figure out how it’s supposed to work and what the vision is.