Note: Updated race information includes a new start time and new categories.
The Ocean City High School Track and Field Boosters Club has partnered with the City of Ocean City, the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Association to start what could become a new tradition: a holiday-themed one-mile race in Ocean City.
The first “Downtown Holiday Dash” will take place between Fifth and 14th streets on Asbury Avenue on Friday, Dec. 19, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be several races for men, women, and children, and an awards ceremony at the Ninth Street gazebo to follow the main events.
Many of the downtown shops and restaurants will remain open until 8 or 9 p.m. on the evening of the race for the enjoyment of runners and spectators who might have some last-minute holiday shopping to do. Visit Downtown Shops to see a list of stores on Asbury Avenue that will be open late on Fridays through Dec. 19.
This event is a great opportunity to come out and support our local high school athletes and the downtown merchants.
Staggered start times include races for:
- 6:00 p.m.: Elite Men and Women (5:59 mile pace or faster for men and 6:30 mile pace or faster for women)
- 6:01 p.m.: Open Race for Men and Women and Santa Scamper (6:00 mile pace and slower for men; 6:31 and slower for women)
- 6:02 p.m.: Kids Race (12 years and under, 5th Street to 9th Street, No fee, no times….just for fun!)
The Santa Scamper is open to anyone festive enough to run/finish the race dressed in Christmas attire (i.e. as Santa, Mrs. Santa, an elf or a reindeer or a reasonable/acceptable facsimile thereof.) Prizes will be given to the best three costumes.
See full race and registration details in the PDF below or visit Holiday Dash race form. Number pick-up and race day registration begins at 4:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Fifth Street and Asbury Avenue.
Race organizers are hoping that people will enter a race, shop downtown before and after the event, or simply come out and watch the runners race down Asbury under the holiday lights.
