Scores of runners donning Santa suits and hats took off from the starting line earlier this month, spreading early holiday cheer and raising money for the charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights.
The “Santa Run” attracted about 2,000 registrants to Arlington Heights on Dec. 2 to participate in the 5K run/walk — with an option for a one mile — in the iconic holiday regalia and plushy white beard.
Children were able to take part in the “Reindeer Dash” and were given reindeer antlers, along with a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer red nose.
“This is the 16th year (of the event) but it’s really the kick off, I feel, to the holiday season in the Arlington Heights area,” said Ron Gerlach, race director and member of the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights. “It is very well known, the community all comes out.
Check in took place inside the historic Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and the start for the Reindeer Dash and Rotary Santa Run began on Campbell Street.
“The post-COVID trend of people going to large gatherings again” helped with participation in this year’s run, Gerlach said. “But I personally think the social media changes we made this year have been a big contributor (to higher attendance).”
The Rotary Santa Run raises funds for the Rotary of Arlington Heights Foundation Annual Fund, which supports local Arlington Heights charitable recipients as well as projects around the world, organizers explained. The iron lung machine truck, a spectacle as an educational outreach tool, was parked at the event, a feature of Rotary’s international efforts to help end polio globally.
“We hope to raise over $50,000 after expenses this year and that all goes toward local community organization grants and also international projects,” Gerlach said.
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Fans cheered on participants as they passed by residences. Families often plan to be outside and make it a holiday event to be present for the runners and walkers.
Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes is a repeat Santa Run participant and donned the red suit. Hayes told the crowd at the start of the run/walk that the event is one of his favorites.
“Arlington Heights has been voted once again the best place to live,” Hayes said. “And that’s because of so many great events and so many great people that contribute in one way or another.
Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the green Grinch from the book and movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” were present to take pose for photos and cheer on participants. Before the Reindeer Dash, children were encouraged to sing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Some participants and attendees even brought their pets.
Golden retriever Aspen, 9, is owned by Celeste Bailey, of Barrington.
“She loves this,” Bailey said about Aspen. “She loves people so this is making her day.
The first 5K runner to cross the finish line of the bib-chipped race was Jonathon Roberts of Arlington Heights, No. 906, with an official time of 16:58.6. Roberts and other participants received collectible swag that included a medal on a green ribbon.
“It’s so much fun. I have a lot of friends in the neighborhood and to be able to wave to them and to see their kids, it’s a really cool thing. It’s what we hoped for when we moved to a town like Arlington Heights,” Roberts said about the event.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.