Rotary Santa run Dec. 5 in Arlington Heights

Be one of more than 2,000 Santas running Saturday, Dec. 5, for the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights' Charitable Foundation.

Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to jolly themselves up in Santa suits and run a 5K, traffic-free course in the heart of Arlington Heights. There will also be a 1-mile walk for those who prefer a Santa stroll. This year, Santa will know who's naughty and nice and who's sluggish or speedy.

The first 2,000 Santas to register will receive a five-piece Santa suit consisting of hat, jacket, pants, belt and beard that is theirs to keep.

The online registration, rotarysantarun.org, closes on Monday, Nov. 30, at 9 p.m. to get ready for the first Packet Pickup event. After Monday, runners can still register in person at packet pickup locations. Race day registration in the lobby of Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is available for an additional $5 fee.

If you register online or at Packet Pickup locations, the cost is $35 for participants 13 years and older, $25 for participants 12 years and younger. A Reindeer Run for kids 10 and under is four blocks and costs $5.

Packet Pickup locations and times 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at AAA Arlington Heights, 1840 S. Arlington Heights Road, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Runner's High 'n Tri, 121 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights.

When you pick up your packet of race materials, you will receive your bib (with your race number on it), and your Santa suit. Runners will need to fill out one form for each participant when registering at the Packet Pick-Up locations. When you register at a Packet Pickup location, you may pay by cash, check, or credit card.

All registrations are nonrefundable and nontransferable. There will be no cancellations for inclement weather.