We started the 12K’s of Christmas tradition in 2020 when we lived in Germany, 4,000 miles (6,500 km) away from our families, and realized that a virtual 12K would be a great way to stay connected! That first year, five people participated — the two of us and three of our family members.
But since since 2020 we’ve met a LOT of new friends on the socials, and last year more than 3,000 people signed up to do a holiday 12K! We’re blown away! We’ve had so much fun connecting with people we know personally and virtually as we all get out on the dirt, snow, or pavement and scramble our feet for 7.5 miles or so.
This year we’re doing it again, and this time it will be bigger and better than ever before! In the month of December we’ll have a different prize every week for those who complete a 12k. The list of prizes keeps growing, but includes:
- Our book
- SaltStick Electrolytes
- Buff Head/Neckwear
- A Sambob Microgrid Hoodie
- Hyper Ice
- Trail Goods
- Dude Wipes
- An Enlightened Equipment down quilt
- and a lot more.
Our goal is to get 10,000 people signed up to run/walk this 12K. That would be 120,000 Km’s (75,000 miles), of outdoor enjoyment between us all!
So, start TRAINING UP!
Join the 12Ks of Christmas Here!!!!
Here are the rules:
- Each week in December we’ll announce the week’s raffle prize.
- To be entered into the raffle, you need to be a member of the 12Ks Strava club and record at least one 12k run, walk, hike, snowshoe, or XC-ski (any other form of walk-like pedestrian travel counts too — not biking or boating).
- We’ll randomly select a winner at the end of the week and announce them in the Strava group and on our socials (@thruhikers on all the platforms).
- No purchase necessary. Some weeks the raffle will be US-only, others will be global. We’ll let you know each week.
And let your far-away friends know to do it too! This really is a great way to stay connected!
Here’s a running-list of who’s worked out most recently:
And just for fun, here are the last three years of 12Ks of Christmas videos:
2022:
2023:
2024:
Yall are amazing and I truly love yall! I will not be running or walking the 12ks of Christmas. I like oxygen a little too much. Y’all keep being amazing though!
Wondering if the 12K can be broken down into a mile a day for those of us just starting this journey?
Not sure I can even do a full mile, but you are inspiring!
M
Hi M! To be entered in the raffle it has to be 12K in one go, but you can spend as long as you want on that one go! If that’s too much, you can still join the Strava group and be a part of the fun, even if it’s 12 1K walks (you just won’t be eligible for the prize drawing)! Happy Trails! -T