The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K Brings Holiday Cheer to Saddle Brook, NJ

The holiday spirit arrived early in Saddle Brook, NJ, as 87 dedicated runners gathered on November 1st, 2025, for The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K. This festive community race kicked off the holiday season with enthusiasm, bringing together runners of all abilities for a morning of competitive racing and seasonal celebration in one of Bergen County's most vibrant communities.

A Perfect November Morning for Racing

Early November in Saddle Brook provided ideal conditions for the runners who lined up for The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K. The autumn atmosphere set the perfect backdrop for this holiday-themed event, with participants already embracing the festive spirit that would carry them through the challenging courses. The race featured multiple distance options, allowing runners to choose their own adventure while celebrating the season of giving.

The event showcased the best of local running culture, with the course winding through Saddle Brook's scenic streets. Participants ranged from seasoned competitors chasing personal records to first-time racers looking to start their holiday season on an active note.

Outstanding Performances Across All Distances

The competition at The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K was fierce, with runners delivering impressive performances across the board. Celso Lojano dominated his race with an outstanding time of 21:51.29, demonstrating exceptional speed and endurance. His sub-22-minute performance showcased the caliber of talent that the Saddle Brook community attracts.

Max Kahn crossed the finish line first in his division with a strong time of 39:53.4, just under the 40-minute mark—a psychological barrier that many runners strive to break. Close behind, another determined participant finished with a time of 40:17.85, making for an exciting race to the finish.

The gender breakdown revealed strong female participation, with 49 women and 38 men completing the courses. This impressive turnout of female runners—representing 56% of the total field—reflects the growing trend of women's participation in running events nationwide and speaks to the inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K cultivates.

Community Spirit Meets Competitive Racing

What makes The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K special isn't just the racing—it's the community atmosphere that permeates the entire event. With 87 finishers, the race maintained an intimate, neighborhood feel while still offering the professional organization and competitive environment that serious runners demand.

Saddle Brook, NJ, once again proved itself to be an excellent host for running events. The town's commitment to supporting healthy, active community events shines through in races like this one. Local residents came out to cheer on participants, creating an energetic atmosphere that propelled runners toward the finish line.

The holiday theme added an extra layer of festivity to the proceedings, with many participants embracing the Christmas spirit even as the calendar had just turned to November. This early celebration of the holidays has become a beloved tradition, allowing runners to kick off the season while working toward their fitness goals—or perhaps getting in a proactive run before the holiday feasting begins!

The Importance of Professional Race Timing

Behind every successful race is a comprehensive timing system that ensures accuracy and fairness for all participants. Tristate Timing provided professional race timing services for The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K, delivering the precision and reliability that runners expect from competitive events.

Professional race timing serves multiple critical functions. It ensures that every participant receives an accurate finish time, enables proper age-group awards distribution, and provides the data necessary for runners to track their progress and improvement over time. For competitive athletes, accurate timing can mean the difference between qualifying for major events or missing cut-off times by seconds.

Tristate Timing's expertise extends beyond simply recording finish times. Our comprehensive services include bib distribution tracking, split times at various course points, and real-time results processing that allows participants, friends, and family to follow the race as it unfolds. This technology-driven approach enhances the experience for everyone involved in the event.

Accessible Results Through RunSignup

In today's digital age, runners expect immediate access to their results. All participants in The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K can view their complete race results through RunSignup results platform, where detailed timing information, age-group rankings, and overall standings are available. This accessibility allows runners to analyze their performance, compare results with previous races, and set goals for future events.

The integration between professional timing services and digital results platforms like RunSignup creates a seamless experience for participants. Within minutes of crossing the finish line, runners can access their official times, share results on social media, and begin planning their next racing challenge.

More Than Just Numbers

While the statistics tell part of the story—87 finishers, impressive times, and strong community participation—they don't capture everything that makes events like The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K special. These races build connections, promote health and wellness, and create traditions that participants look forward to year after year.

For many runners, this race marks an important milestone in their annual racing calendar. Some use it as a fitness benchmark before the holiday season, while others see it as the perfect opportunity to enjoy racing in the comfortable autumn temperatures before winter arrives in New Jersey.

Looking Ahead to Future Events

The success of The 12Ks of Christmas Run & 5K/10K in Saddle Brook, NJ, demonstrates the strong appetite for well-organized community running events. As we look toward future races, the combination of professional race timing, excellent course design, and community support will continue to attract runners from across the region.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor looking for accurate timing and competitive fields, or a recreational runner seeking a supportive environment to challenge yourself, professionally timed events offer the best of both worlds. The attention to detail in timing, organization, and results management ensures that every participant receives the experience they deserve.

Join Us at the Next Event

Are you a race director planning an upcoming event? Tristate Timing specializes in providing comprehensive race timing services that elevate your event and create outstanding experiences for participants. Our state-of-the-art equipment, experienced staff, and commitment to accuracy ensure that your race runs smoothly from start to finish.

For participants, keep an eye out for upcoming races in the Saddle Brook area and throughout New Jersey. Each event offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with the running community, and achieve your personal goals with the confidence that comes from professional race timing.

Visit RunSignup to explore upcoming events and register for your next racing adventure. The holiday season may have just begun, but the racing season never stops for dedicated runners!

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Tristate Timing is proud to provide professional timing services for running events throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area. Contact us to learn how we can support your next race.