Christmas Cracker 2026

The Christmas Cracker is a festive 5k held at Palacerigg Country Park in North Lanarkshire, taking place as a December holiday event. North Lanarkshire Council organises it, with the main 5k open to runners aged over 12. The route is set within the country park, giving the race a park-run feel with chip timing and a race number included in the registration pack. The event also features a 1K race, a 400m race, and a Toddler Dash, allowing families to bring younger children. The dress-up tradition is part of the entry: runners select a festive T-shirt accompanied by either a Santa hat or antlers, and the event is promoted as the return of the Christmas Cracker.