ND Santa Run Postponed to Saturday, Dec. 20 Due to Extreme Cold

Dec. 12, 2025 - The Mandan Progress Organization has announced the postponement of the 2025 North Dakota Santa Run, originally scheduled for Saturday, December 13, due to dangerously cold temperatures and extreme wind chills forecast for race day.

With participant, staff, and volunteer safety as the top priority, the in-person event has been moved to Saturday, December 20, 2025, with all race activities, street closures, and event logistics adjusted accordingly.

“We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all runners,” said Matt Schanandore, Executive Director. “Postponing the race allows us to uphold our safety standards while still giving participants the festive holiday experience they look forward to each year.”

The Santa Run will begin at 4:15 p.m. on December 20 and will start and finish on Main Street next to Dykshoorn Park under the glow of the Mandan Holiday Lights on Main. The event raises funds for Hope Manor – Sober Living Homes and supports addiction recovery programs in the community.

Rescheduled Street Closures – Saturday, December 20

To ensure a safe and enjoyable race experience, the following temporary road closures and parking restrictions will now be in effect on Saturday, December 20:

Street Closures & Restrictions

  • Main Street from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW will be closed from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • No parking will be enforced in this Main Street closure area during the same timeframe.
  • The south side parking lane of Main Street from Dykshoorn Park west to 10th Ave NW will be posted no parking from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • At 4:00 p.m., Main Street traffic will be restricted between 6th Ave NW and 10th Ave NW to allow space for the start of the race.
  • 10th Ave SW from 3rd St SW to 7th St SW will also be posted no parking for participant safety.
  • Runners will travel through neighborhood streets using 8th Ave SW and 9th Ave SW between 1st St SW and 7th St SW.

Access & Detours

  • West Main Street access will remain open for those visiting the Morton Mandan Public Library, including for packet pickup.
  • Detours will be available along First Street from 3rd Ave NW to 6th Ave NW.
  • Commercial trucks and oversized vehicles are encouraged to use alternate routes.

 

Updated Packet Pickup Schedule

Packet pickup has been updated as follows:

  • Friday, December 12 – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    Morton Mandan Public Library – Community Room
  • Saturday, December 13 – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
    Morton Mandan Public Library – Community Room
  • Monday, December 15 to Friday, December 19 – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    Mandan Progress Organization Office
  • Saturday, December 20 (Race Day) – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
    Outside the Mandan Progress Organization Office prior to the race

All registered participants will receive their Santa suits, long-sleeve shirts, finisher medals, and tote bags.

Virtual Participation Option

Participants unable to attend the rescheduled event may complete the race virtually.
To request a virtual participation option, visit:
https://bit.ly/VirtualSantaRun25

Runners are encouraged to pick up their race packets in person.
Any packets requested by mail will be sent after Christmas.

The North Dakota Santa Run continues to be a cherished statewide tradition, bringing families, runners, and community members together to celebrate the season and raise awareness for addiction recovery.

For more information about the Santa Run or updated street closures, visit VisitMandan.com, SantaRunND.com, or contact the Mandan Progress Organization at 701-751-2983.