The Christmas spirit returns to dye red the coast of Barcelona with the Santa Claus Race 2025, a festive and family event in which thousands of runners take the start dressed as Santa Claus and elves. On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 10:30 am, the Parc del Fòrum will be the meeting point for those who want to welcome Christmas running -or walking- by the sea, in an urban route of about 5 km suitable for all levels.
In addition to the playful and photogenic atmosphere, the race maintains its commitment to solidarity: 1 € of each registration goes to the Red Cross toy campaign, so that each race bib helps more children to enjoy the magic of these dates.
A tide of Santas and elves in the Parc del Fòrum
The Santa Claus Race is consolidated in Barcelona with a second edition that aims to bring together about 4,000 participants, including Santas, Santas and elves of all ages. The circuit, of approximately 5 km, runs through the Parc del Fòrum area and surroundings, in a completely urban and closed to traffic, ideal for both those who are new to running and for families who want to enjoy the experience without rushing.
The event will take place on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 10:30 am, starting and finishing in the surroundings of the Parc del Fòrum. The organization is in charge of the Club Atletismo La Sansi and Sport Life Ibérica, with the collaboration of the Barcelona City Council and various organizations and sponsors.
Categories for young and old
The race is designed so that no one is left out of the party. Two main categories are established:
- Santa Claus category (over 12 years old), with absolute male and female classification.
- Elf Category (under 12 years), also with male and female classification.
Children under 14 years of age must always participate accompanied by an adult, which reinforces the family character of the event. The race can be done running or walking, so it is common to see groups of friends, families with strollers and even participants who take it as a fun Christmas walk by the sea.
Registration and prices
Registrations are made exclusively online through the official platform, with a maximum of 4,000 bibs (3,200 for Santa Claus and 800 for elves). The prices for the 2025 edition are:
- Individual registration: 15,95 €.
- Family Pack 1 (3 people): 13,95 € per person.
- Family Pack 2 (4 people or more): 11,95 € per person.
Registrations are open until December 17 at 23:59 h, or until the race is sold out. Those made before December 14 include the name of the participant printed on the bib, an extra detail to keep as a souvenir.
What does registration include?
More than a registration, the bib number is the key to a complete experience. Each participant receives:
- Full Santa Claus or elf costume (pants, jacket, belt, hat and beard in the case of Santa Claus).
- Race bib with chip for official timing.
- Gift bag with gifts from sponsors and collaborators.
- Liquid and solidrefreshments at the finish line.
- Fitness dance session at the end of the race, open to participants and companions.
- Services included: medical assistance, accident and civil liability insurance, checkroom and closed traffic circuit.
Everything is designed to make the day comfortable and safe, and to make the experience go beyond the simple fact of running.
Collection of bib and suit
The collection of the bib-chip, the suit and the welcome pack will take place the days before the race at an authorized point in the city:
- December 19: from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
- December 20: from 11:00 h to 19:00 h.
If the participant cannot come in person, another person can pick up his or her bib by presenting the registration receipt and the ID card (or photocopy) of the registered person. The sizes of the costumes are chosen at the time of collection, on a first-come, first-served basis and according to availability.
Festive atmosphere and solidarity
Beyond the sport, the Santa Claus Race is a real visual spectacle: thousands of red and green suits, music, animation and a relaxed atmosphere that transforms the Parc del Fòrum into a great Christmas party. It is not uncommon for many attendees to come simply to take photos or to cheer on the participants along the route.
The race also maintains a strong solidarity character. In the 2025 edition, 1 € of each registration is destined to the Red Cross toy campaign, helping children in vulnerable situations to receive gifts this holiday season. Participating is, therefore, a way to share the Christmas spirit beyond the sporting experience itself.
A date to inaugurate Christmas by running
For those who enjoy running, for families looking for a different plan or for groups of friends who want to say goodbye to the year with an original activity, the Santa Claus Race is one of the most unique proposals in the Barcelona sports calendar. An accessible route, a privileged environment by the sea, costumes included and a solidarity objective make this race a very special event.
