Here comes The Santa Clauses. Pacific Beach is preparing for its ninth annual San Diego Santa Run on Sat., Dec. 11. Held by San Diego Running Co., participants will run the streets in their Santa costumes, hats + sunglasses.
The 5K is a run, not a race. Whether you’re fast as Blizten or just a Prancer you’ll pass by some of PB’s best shops + eateries worthy of a post-run visit.
A sea of Santa taking over Pacific Beach | photo by @lynn_going_in
🌴 Kilometer 1: Palmys
The run begins at 9 a.m. outside 24 Hour Fitness on Garnet Avenue. Shortly after the start, runners turn left onto Cass Street. On the corner of Cass + Felspar lies Palmys, a new, outdoor café serving breakfast + lunch — great for a post-run energy boost.
🌱 Kilometer 2: Green Gardens Nursery
Halfway down Cass is Green Gardens Nursery, a slice of nature in an otherwise commercial + residential area. It’s the perfect place to find a gift for someone with a green thumb — you’ll be dressed as Santa after all.
☕ Kilometer 3: Better Buzz Coffee
During the second half, runners turn back onto Garnet. Fortunately, Better Buzz is en route to offer yet another energy boost. Drinks like the Cocoa Cold Brew or Peppermint White Mocha Latte make this San Diego-based chain the perfect mixture of Christmas + caffeine.
🍦 Kilometer 4: Mr. Frostie
The final stretch of the run goes east down Garnet, then circles back west. Mr. Frostie is a sweet stop near the loop. Since 1949, Mr. Frostie has been serving up soft-serve cool as the snowman. We know this is a run, but there aren’t any rules against eating ice cream.
Jumping for joy by Pangea Outpost | Photo via @moncycmb
🌎 Kilometer 5: Pangea Outpost
Running the 5K as Santa should put you in the giving spirit. You’ll end where you started: on Garnet, next to Pangea Outpost. This collection of local merchants + artists is a great place to buy Christmas gifts, even if you’re shopping for yourself.
The fun doesn’t end when your feet stop. Included with your registration is a drink ticket and an invitation to explore PB.