Arlington Heights Rotary to host Santa Run Dec. 4
The 14th annual Rotary Santa Run is back in person this year. This family event has been one of the season's traditional events to kick off the holidays.
The Rotary Santa Run will be held Saturday, Dec. 4. The "Reindeer Run" will kick off the morning at 9:30 a.m. This year, kids ages 10 and younger will be able to race with Santa Claus and the Grinch.
Then at 10 a.m., the Rotary Santa Run will start. 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.
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.
"I think it will be healing for the community to have a safe event outside during the holidays to lift everyone's spirits," said committee chairman Rick Koebernick.
"The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights decided to have the race in person this year, with an option to do a virtual run for those that are not ready to come back out or have medical issues that still keep them away from the crowds."
Santa suits, which come with the registration, may be picked up during the scheduled packet pickup held at the Arlington Heights Park District - Arlington Ridge Center on Dec. 2 or 3.
For some extra fun, in the weeks leading up to the Santa Run, everyone is eligible to participate in a Santa Scavenger Hunt. Starting in November, go visit race sponsors, find their Santa, take a selfie with him and post it on Instagram or Facebook, linking it to #RotarySantaHunt2021, and you will have a chance to win a gift card from $50 to $200. The more selfies you post, the more chances you will have to win.
The Rotary Club thanks all the race sponsors and runners. Your participation in the race makes a difference to the community.
The Rotary Club of Arlington Heights holds the Santa Run every year to raise funds. Over the years, the Santa Run has raised more than $250,000 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 under resourced patients discharged from hospital.
Globally, Rotary is working to eradicate polio worldwide, bring clean water to communities, improve sanitation and support educational opportunities.
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