Wheaton's popular Reindeer Run 5K going virtual

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wheaton Park District and Lions Club of Wheaton worked together to adapt a community favorite event and are excited to spread holiday cheer in a virtual and festive way this year with the Lions Club Virtual Reindeer Run, Dec. 5-19.

The race is a great way to get in the holiday cheer and stay active during the season. Racers will receive a commemorative masked up holiday lion race shirt mailed to their homes following the event. Race registration closes Saturday, Dec. 5.

When runners finish the self-timed 5K route of their choice (or on a treadmill) any time between Dec. 5 and 19, they can also log their time to print their finisher certificate.

This year the event committee has teamed with the Downtown Wheaton Association to provide runners exclusive discounts throughout downtown Wheaton including free hot chocolate at Egg'lectic Cafe, free trial music lesson at Jerry Evans School of Music, 20% off any one service at Marquiz Salon & Spa, and more.

Also, Ivy of Wheaton is hosting a socially distant outdoor special breakfast in honor of the race's traditional after party. The restaurant will open from 9 to 11 a.m. and will be serving Bloody Marys and breakfast burritos to-go or to be enjoyed outside on their patio or the tent on Hale Street.

"Since our partnership with the Wheaton Park District began nine years ago, the goal of the event was to provide our organizations with more opportunities to serve the needs of the Wheaton community. With this pandemic, those needs have increased," said RC Crompton, Wheaton Lions Club president. "The annual Reindeer Run 5K race has been a tremendous success in helping support our Wheaton Lions Charities and funds our support of our 'Six Pillars of Service' - those being sight, hearing, diabetes, hunger, pediatric cancer and the environment."

Registration is currently open for both individuals and teams of four or more. Several Community School Unit District 204 Parent Teacher Associations have discount codes that not only lower the race fees but raise money for the school PTAs in the process. Discount codes are available at www.facebook.com/racewheaton/ or by visiting wheatonparkdistrict.com/reindeerrun for more information.

"There is nothing like Reindeer Run morning in Wheaton and we wish we could be together in person for this community favorite 5K," says race director Amy Seklecki of the Wheaton Park District, "We are happy that we are still able to continue to raise funds for local charities. We look forward to filling the streets with holiday cheer and costumes in 2021."

A portion of proceeds from this year's virtual race will benefit the Wheaton Lions Charities and the DuPage County Historical Museum.

The race is put on in part with help from sponsors such as First Trust, Kamm Insurance Group, Noah's Animal Hospital, Black Diamond Planners, and DuPage Medical Group.

For additional information and details, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/reindeerrun or email Amy Seklecki, race director, at aseklecki@wheatonparks.org.