Upcoming Race – Reindeer Fun Run | 12k, 5k, and Kids Egg Nog Jog

One of the area’s most popular races, the 7th annual Reindeer Fun Run, will be held Saturday, December 7 in historic downtown Aberdeen (100 E. Main Street Aberdeen, NC 28315).  The Reindeer Fun Run will feature the 12ks of Christmas at 9:00 am, the 5k Reindeer Fun Run/Walk at 9:15 am, and the Chick-Fil-A Egg Nog Jog at 10:30 am.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills.  Over the past seven years $117,000 has been donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills from the Reindeer Fun Run.

Race Information

The 5k and 12k run will begin in downtown Aberdeen.  The USATF certified course will feature rolling hills and wide turns.  The 12k will separate from the 5k course after the first mile and will tour through scenic Bethesda and the Malcolm Blue Farm.  The 12k will rejoin the 5k route at mile five for a downhill run to the finish line and after party.  The Chick-Fil-A Egg Nog Jog, for kids nine and under, is a 1/2 mile run that begins at Poplar Street and ends on Main Street.  The Reindeer Fun Run is stroller and pet friendly.  Maps of the courses can be found here: 12k, 5k, and Chick-Fil-A Egg Nog Jog.

Registration fees for the Reindeer Fun Run are as follows:  12k $32, 5k $28, 5k for pets $8, Chick-Fil-A Egg Nog Jog $15.  Participants in the Chick-Fil-A Egg Nog Jog will receive a finisher ribbon, long sleeve tee-shirt, goodie bag, water bottle and antlers.  Runners in the 12k will receive a finisher medal, long sleeve tee-shirt and antlers.  Participants in the 5k will receive a long sleeve tee-shirt and antlers, pets in the 5k will receive a Reindeer Fun Run bandana.  The 12k and 5k will be officially timed.

There will be an awards ceremony after the Reindeer Fun Run with awards for:  Best Group Costume (two or more), Best Pet Costume, and Best Individual Costume.  Running Awards will be given in the Chick-Fil-A Egg Nog Jog for the fastest times and there will be the Rudolph Award for the first set of antlers to cross the finish line.  5k awards will be given for the fastest overall times, fastest times by age group, and the Dasher Award for the first set of antlers to cross the finish line.  Awards for the 12k will be for fastest overall time, fastest time by age group and the Prancer Award for the first set of antlers to cross the finish line.

The Reindeer Fun Run will also have an after race party and a Chick-Fil-A Kid Zone.  The after party will feature live bands,  sponsor and merchandise tables, Mellow Mushroom, funnel cakes, Chick-Fil-A, and more.  For the kids, the Chick-Fil-A Kids Zone will have face painting, pony rides, fun with Santa, music, games and food.  The Chick-Fil-A Kids Zone will be located on Sycamore Street across from the train depot.

Tips from the SRS

• You can register online, online registration closes Thursday, December 5.  On-site registration and packet pick-up will be available Friday, December 6 from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 7 from 7:15 am until 8:45 am at Page Memorial Fellowship Hall (104 S. Poplar Street Aberdeen, NC 28315).  There will be a collection of cans and coats for the annual K2 Solutions drive.
• On-site childcare will be provided by RuggRats in the Page Memorial Nursery.  Space is limited so please contact RuggRats to make an appointment (910-695-0014).  A portion of the proceeds will go back to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills.
• Information about parking can be found here.

Last year there were over 2,400 participants and 150 volunteers for the Reindeer Fun Run.  There were 25 different states represented in the 2012 race.  More information about the race can be found here.

Pre-Race Festivities

The Blitzen Bash, a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills, will be held Wednesday, December 4 from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm at the Campbell House in Southern Pines (482 E. Connecticut Avenue Southern Pines, NC 28387).  The cost of the event is $50 per person and the Blitzen Bash will be catered by Sly Fox.  You can reserve your spot here or you can send a check with guests names to PO Box 671 Southern Pines, NC 28388.  The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills serve 300 children each day during the school year.

Volunteer training for the Reindeer Fun Run will occur on Thursday, December 5 at 6:00 pm.