Ocala is gearing up for one of its longest-running holiday traditions—the 48th annual Ocala Reindeer Run Presented by the Gaekwad Family. Each December, hundreds of runners line up just moments before the Ocala Christmas Parade rolls through downtown, kicking off the evening with a fast, fun, and festive out-and-back 5K.
This year’s race is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, with an expected 400 participants taking on the Nutcracker-themed course. Runners will head out at 4:20 p.m. on December 13th, providing the perfect lead-in to the parade that follows immediately afterward.
Local partners will be out in full force as well. Calles De Oro will be serving delicious hot coffee to keep everyone warm, and Orange Theory Fitness will be on site cheering the crowd and supporting the runners.
Last Year’s Champions
The 2024 race delivered strong performances, with Luke Lombardo breaking the tape in 16:34 on the men’s side and Sydney Farris winning the women’s race in 20:04. With a growing field and cooler December temperatures, this year could bring even faster times.
New for This Year
For the first time, the Reindeer Run is expanding its awards structure for older runners. In addition to the traditional age groups, the event will now recognize:
- Masters (40 and over)
- Grand Masters (50 and over)
- Senior Masters (60 and over)
- Veteran Masters (70 and over)
It’s a great chance for lifelong runners to earn recognition in divisions that spotlight experience and longevity in the sport.
Registration and Parade Details
Runners can sign up now at: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Ocala/OcalaReindeerRun
Anyone interested in learning more about the Ocala Christmas Parade can visit: https://ocalachristmasparade.org/
The Reindeer Run has become a cornerstone of the city’s holiday season—part fitness, part festivity, and a tradition that brings the community together just as the lights go up on the parade route. This year’s edition looks ready to carry that legacy forward.