Arlington Heights Rotary's Santa Run a seasonal favorite

It's that time of year again for more than 1,200 Santas to run through the streets of Arlington Heights for the Rotary Club's annual Rotary Santa Run. This year's event will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

Well over 13,000 people have donned a Santa suit as part of their holiday tradition, raising close to $300,000 for local and international charities.

"I was reminded recently that I had run all 11 years - since the very beginning," said Tom Hayes, mayor of Arlington Heights. "The annual Rotary Santa Run is one of my favorite community events. Not only does it combine two of my favorite things - Santa Claus and running - it is for a good cause as well.

"Having run the race every year, it's clear that our community has embraced the event as a fun way to begin the holiday season. I'm looking forward once again to seeing the kids run the Reindeer Run, and then participating with hundreds of other Santas as we run through downtown Arlington Heights before enjoying a post-race hot chocolate or lunch at one of our many fine shops or restaurants.

"Thanks to the Rotary Club and all the volunteers who make the Santa Run the very special community event that it is every year."

Participants can register at www.rotarysantarun.org. You can run, walk or use a stroller. For children ages 10 and younger, there is the David Jaffe @properties Reindeer Run at 9:30 a.m., a four-block run where the kids are never out of sight.

They finish in the first floor of the Vail Avenue Garage at the corner of Campbell Street and S. Highland Street, just ahead of the rest of the Santas. Each child receives reindeer antlers and a red nose.

This fundraiser started with a crazy idea to purchase Santa Suits from China. According to Bill Kmiecik, the first Rotary Santa Run chairman, "People thought we were crazy."

Now in its 12th year, proceeds from the Rotary Santa Run reach far and wide, from food pantries, warm coats for underserved youth, vision screenings and assistance for veterans.

The 5K Run/Walk is open to all ages and abilities. Registrants receive a five-piece Santa suit to wear; personalization of your Santa look is highly encouraged.

For information or to register, visit www.rotarysantarun.org.