2024 BayPort Surf N Santa 5 Miler Race Recap

Thousands Of Running Santas Spread Holiday Cheer at the BayPort Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler presented by Bon Secours

Santa Claus came to town…4,134 Santas in fact! Thousands of running Santa’s took over the streets of Virginia Beach on December 14 in the BayPort Credit Union Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler, spreading joy with every mile.

Race night was a special evening, as it is the only night where the Holiday Lights at the Beach allows runners to enjoy the boardwalk lights by foot. Participants were treated to all things holiday, including a 40- foot dancing light Christmas Tree and the largest and longest curved LED light tunnel in the U.S., not to mention all of the Christmas classics that are fixtures in this annual tradition.

Along the course, participants were also treated to crowd favorites, including the famous gingerbread cookies compliments of Baker’s Crust and peppermint taffy thanks to Forbes Saltwater Taffy.

Once Santa crossed the finish line (which was covered in SNOW this year!), it was time to eat, drink and be merry at the post-race celebration inside the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Participants were treated to delicious Chicken and Wild Rice soup and libations from Kona Big Wave, and Bold Rock for participants 21+. DJ Joe Fu kept the party pumping, having all the Santas moving and grooving all night long.

In 2016, 5,025 race participants helped secure the title of Largest Santa Run in Virginia Beach, and the title still belongs to this race weekend! It’s no wonder that this race also made the Top 10 Best Fun Runs by USA Today. It sold out for 2024, so be sure to get on Santa’s good list, and register when it opens in July, 2025.