We are glad you asked! 

• This year our participants will be utilizing heavily trafficked roads in downtown Owensboro.  We ask that you stay to the right on each road as you run in case there is any oncoming traffic. 
• Keep moving during the race.  We ask that all participants cross the finish line in 75 minutes.
• Please obey any police officers that may direct you during the event. 
• Watch for trains!  This course crosses the railroad tracks on Triplett and JR Miller.  Please be alert!  If the lights are flashing at the railroad crossing, please do not try to cross the tracks!  The city will inform CSX Transportation of our event and the race time, but we cannot guarantee that a train won't cross during our event.
• The race course is fairly flat. 
• We ask that you do not bring dogs to the event.
• There will be a water station at mile 2.
• This race is more fun if you dress in festive Christmas attire! ;)

Absolutely!  If you are walking the course we simply ask the following:

• Line up behind the runners at the starting line.  Participants should position themselves in line based on how quickly they will complete the 5K course.  The serious runners will line up at the front.  Typically walkers, those jogging, and those with strollers are further to the back of the line.
• Complete the 5K in 75 minutes or less.  Because the course is utilizing busy streets in Owensboro, the Owensboro Police Department has requested that walkers keep moving and finish the course by 9:15 a.m. so the roads can be reopened. 

Because we will be utilizing many heavily trafficked and major thoroughfares in downtown Owensboro, we ask that participants complete the 5K within 75 minutes so that police officers may reopen the roadways as soon as possible.

Yes, participants may register at Smothers Park beginning at 7:00 a.m.  Registrations after 11/14/25 will not include a race shirt.

Yes!  There are several types of groups that can be created:

• School group/team
• Family group/team
• Corporate group/team
• Friend group/team
• Church Youth group/team
• Church Adult group/team

Anyone can be an administrator of a group, even if they do not register for the race (which we hope they will!)  Once the group is created, the group link can be shared on social media, text, or email.  Those who register with this group's link will automatically be added to the group upon registration.  

**Note:  School groups and Church Youth groups (members age 18 or under) with 11+ members will receive special discounted registration pricing!

We ask that registrants make every effort to pick up their packets the day before the event:

Friday, December 5th, 2025

12:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Care Net Owensboro

425 E. 18th St.

If you are unable to pick up your packet or have someone pick it up for you on Friday, packets may be picked on race day near the starting line at Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Sure thing!  They just need your name or confirmation email.

There are several parking garages in downtown Owensboro that will be available and there is free parking on the streets on Saturdays.

The street parking is free on the weekend.  The parking garages may charge a fee.

The starting line will be located at Veterans Blvd. and Saint Ann Street in Smothers Park.  Runners will head east across the starting line and finish in the same place heading west.

Sorry, no.  For the safety and comfort of all of our participants, which includes many young children, we ask that you do not bring your dogs to the event.  Thank you!

Absolutely! 

Sure!  This is a family-friendly event!  We love babies and toddlers, and we would love to see them there with you!!  We simply ask that participants that are walking or will complete the course in a longer period of time line up further back from the starting line.

Unfortunately not...but...bring a friend or family member to cheer you on and hold your stuff! ;)  Better yet, register your friends and family...one of them is bound to be a walker who can carry it for you! :)

Yes!  There will be a water station at the 2 mile mark, and Owensboro Nutrition will be providing energy tea shots on 18th Street in front of Care Net Owensboro!  There will also be water, other refreshments, and snacks available at the finish line.

Yes!  Because the start/finish line is at Smothers Park, the park restrooms will be open and available!

Participants who register by 11:59 p.m. on 11/14/25 will receive a race shirt.  Unfortunately, extra shirts will not be available at packet pickup or on race day for those who miss the 11/14 deadline.

Kids participating in the Reindeer Dash will receive a participation medal.

5K Event Awards will be given for:

• Top Overall Time (male & female)
• 1st & 2nd Division Times (male & female): 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Note:  This year we will not do an awards presentation.  All participants are able to scan the QR code on their race bib to see their finishing time and if they earned 1st or 2nd place in their division.  If you have earned a medal for your age division, simply go to the award table under the Registration pavillion to claim your award.

Yes!  Local businesses and friends of CNO have donated Door Prizes for our event!  Door Prize winners are selected randomly from the bib numbers of checked-in race registrants.  Once the race begins, winners will be posted at the Door Prize table under the pavillion where OverFlow is located.   Stop by the Door Prize table to see if you are a lucky winner of a gift to a local Owensboro establishment!

Local businesses that have donated a door prize to our race include:

Fetta

Owensboro Healthpark

Toad Hop

Mellow Mushroom

Salsaritas

Azzip Pizza

Great American Cookie

Orange Leaf

The Spot