Candy Cane 5k & 10k 2026

The Candy Cane 5k & 10k starts and finishes at Promenade Park by the Westin Hotel in Westminster, Colorado, with runners coming in from Westminster, Denver, and Boulder for a December holiday race. The main events are a flat 5k and 10k that both start in the morning, plus a 1-mile fun run for kids ages 3 to 12 later on. The race leans hard into the season: runners get custom collector bibs, candy canes, running gloves, a finisher mug, and a medal with a piece that detaches into a tree ornament. The 5k heads west on its first loop and uses a fast, mostly flat route with about one-fifth of the course on trail path, so it works for walkers, young kids, and strollers. The 10k follows the 5k route for the opening miles, then adds an eastbound out-and-back loop with a water stop at the turnaround. After the finish, runners use their mugs for coffee, cocoa, tea, or cider, while the finish area adds holiday music, snacks, cookies, gingerbread, donuts, games, contests, and an adult beverage area. One of the more playful traditions is the hidden elves on the 5k and 10k courses: anyone who finds one and brings it back can win prizes such as gift cards, clothing, or running-store certificates.