400 Santas to run through Arlington Heights

Santa Claus is coming to town ... literally, hundreds of them.

On Dec. 6, organizers expect nearly 400 of the jolly old elves to be dressed in their red suits and beards, running through downtown Arlington Heights.

It's all part of the first annual Santa Sleigh 5K Run, hosted by the Arlington Heights Rotary Club.

Every registered participant receives a five-piece Santa suit - complete with hat, jacket, pants, belt and beard.

"And we expect them to wear them," says Deb Whisler, with the Rotary Club.

There also will be a 1-mile walk for those who prefer a Santa stroll, as well as a goody bag filled with freebies from the event's corporate sponsors.

Both events start at 10 a.m. at South Middle School, 400 S. Highland Ave. in Arlington Heights. From there, runners will follow a traffic-free course that weaves through the decorated streets of downtown Arlington Heights.

Proceeds will benefit Rotary Club International's efforts to eradicate polio worldwide, as well as its local project, funding the next phase of the "Drive to Revive" Memorial Park, in honor of veterans in Arlington Heights.

"The Rotary Club was looking for a signature event," Whisler adds, "that was something unique that we could run annually."

Local residents running in Santa suits apparently fit the bill. Rotarians say it will be the first Santa Fun Run in the metropolitan Chicago area.

Interested participants can pick up their race packets - and Santa suits - from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 5 at Runners' High 'n Tri, 121 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights, where owner Mark Rouse has seen a lot of races, but few Santa runs.

"Everybody needs a little exercise after Thanksgiving and before Christmas," Rouse says. "These kinds of events really dry up during this time of year. I wish there were more. You just bundle up and go out for a run."

He adds that interest from the running community has remained high through the drop in temperatures. His recent Ride 'n Tie in Busse Woods drew more than 150 teams, while last week's Tuesday night fun run drew 35 runners.

For more information, or to register, visit www.rotaryah.org. Interested participants also may register at Runners' High, or on race day before the start.