Kick off your holidays with Rotary Santa Run Dec. 3
The Rotary Santa Run will celebrate its 15th year after last year's successful return to in-person after a year off due to the pandemic.
This family event has been one of the season's traditional events to kick off the holidays.
The Rotary Santa Run will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, kicking off with the "Reindeer Run" at 9:30 a.m. for kids ages 10 and younger. Participants will be able to race with Santa Claus and the Grinch.
That race will be followed by the Rotary Santa Run at 10 a.m.
This year, a family rate option is offered, and the first 1,750 runners will receive a commemorative medal. For race details and to register, visit www.rotarysantarun.org
Even if you're not a runner or walker, come out and see the kids race, watch the sea of Santas do their run, and have some free hot chocolate, sponsored by Kilwins.
"Once again we invite the entire community to help celebrate the holiday season and enjoy a morning of fun and exercise," said Rick Koebernick, Rotary Club of Arlington Heights president. "It's gratifying to see the support of businesses and the community in helping Rotary serve causes locally and around the world."
Santa suits, which come with the registration, may be picked up during the scheduled packet pick p held at the Arlington Heights Park District - Arlington Ridge Center Dec. 1 and 2.
Check the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights website and Facebook page for regular updates and additional activities leading up to race day.
Over the years, the Santa Run has raised more than $300,000 to distribute to organizations in the Arlington Heights community and to international initiatives. In 2021, for example, the club helped individuals impacted by COVID-19 through contributions to food pantries and provision of sanitation buckets to Northwest Community Hospital's underresourced patients discharged from hospital.
Globally, Rotary is working to eradicate polio worldwide, bring clean water to communities, improve sanitation and support educational opportunities.