Costumed runners pose before the awards ceremony after the inaugural Downtown Holiday Dash in Ocean City in 2014.
The second annual "Ocean City Downtown Holiday Dash" will take place on
Dec. 4, 2015 with the first race starting at
5:15 p.m. down Asbury Avenue.
This year, the one-mile run will take place before the Christmas Parade under the holiday decorations of the downtown.
The course starts and finishes at 12th Street and Asbury Avenue and is open to all abilities (with a category even including holiday costumes). 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.
Pre-registration is $20 for applications received by
Dec. 2. Race-day registration is $25. Registration and packet pickup occur in the parking lot on the corner of 12th Street and Asbury Avenue starting at
4 p.m. An application is available in the PDF below. They also can be picked up at the Ocean City Sneaker Shop, Ocean City Community Center, Ocean City Welcome Center and the Local Fitness gym at 9th Street and Asbury Avenue.
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 sponsor the run.
Downtown shops and restaurants will be open on the evening of the race for the enjoyment of runners and spectators who might have some last-minute holiday shopping to do. The Christmas Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the race benefit the Christian Community Circle and the Ocean City Track and Field Boosters.
Staggered start times include races for:
- 5:15 p.m.: Elite Men and Women (5:59 mile pace or faster for men and 6:30 mile pace or faster for women)
- 5:20 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)
- 5:25 p.m.: Kids Race (12 years and under, 12th Street to 9th Street and back ... No fee, no times….just for fun!)
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