I was in Phoenix for a conference and found the 12K’s of Christmas 12K. Yes I live in Spokane, that has Bloomsday (probably the largest 12K in the US), but I’ve managed to be working the past 2 years (that’s besides the point). What’s even better is if you do the 12K and the Scottsdale Half Marathon Sunday, you get extra bling. Sold!

Distances: 1.2K sled run (think kids and pups) 6K and 12K

Time: 1.2K at 9 AM, 12K at 10 AM and 6K at 10:15 AM

Location: Freestone Park in Gilbert, WA

Packet Pick Up: They had pick up from 3-7 at San Tan Ford Dealership in Gilbert. I kind of wish I would have just done race day pick up because there was minimal parking (I get it, it’s a car dealership). Race day pick up started at 7ish (maybe?)

Swag: socks and a huge medal at the end of the race

Parking: more than enough at Freestone Park (free!)

Pre/post race things to do: they had a good amount of vendors set up, some were race related, a lot were pet and dog related. The race works to race funds to get pets adopted in Maricopa county.

Race itself: pet friendly (and by pet, I mean dogs in this case). If you’re a runner, be aware that there are dogs at the race and dogs running with their human at this race. If you’re a dog lover but your dog doesn’t like other dogs, probably not the race to bring the cute fluff ball along to. The 1.2 k started first and was pretty much over by the 12K. The 12K started at 10 AM and I wish it were about an hour sooner. I feel like there was a lot of standing around and waiting happening before the race, but what can you do. The race itself was very flat. It was on a running path that was a combination of gravel, pavement and sidewalk, which I felt (mainly the gravel). There were some road intersections that we crossed but they were blocked off by police. There were Carolers every 1 K and water stops fairly well distributed along the course. It was an out and back course, so you knew what you were expecting in a sense.

Post race: food and water was available and some food trucks if you had time to stop by for some

Overall, a race to do if you’re in the area. Wish it started an hour earlier. I did appreciate that dogs with their humans and strollers started after the runners without dogs or strollers. It’s on a multi surface course, so be aware of that!