On Saturday, Dec. 4, the streets of Manheim will be overrun with Santas. The sixth annual Manheim Lions Club Santa 5K Run & Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will feature participants dressed as the jolly old elf.
Registration is now open for the event, and people are encouraged to register early to ensure the lowest entry fee and to obtain special race swag. There is a discounted entry fee until Monday, Nov. 1. Anyone age 15 and older may choose either a Santa suit or a crewneck sweatshirt if registration is received before Monday, Nov. 15. Anyone age 14 and younger will receive a crewneck sweatshirt and a Santa hat if registered before that date as well. Race-day registration will be accepted beginning at 7 a.m. on Dec. 4 at Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 48 Market Square.
"This is a really fun day," said Nancy Husser, event chair. "It's a way to support our community, and it's a fundraiser for our club."
She emphasized that money raised by the event benefits local people. "All of the money stays in Manheim," she stated, adding that the funds will be used to address community needs and support groups, including Cub Scout Pack 47. "The Manheim Lions Club motto is 'We serve,' and this is just one way we can give back to our community."
Husser said over the years she's seen a variety of costumed participants beyond Santa Claus. "We've had the Grinch and Mrs. Grinch for several years," she noted. "We've had a lot of elves. I haven't had any snowmen yet, though."
Community members who live along the route are encouraged to come out and show their support for the race participants. "I try to go around to every single household the race course impacts and drop off a paper telling them when the race is and encouraging them to cheer on the runners," Husser said. "We've had people who play Christmas music from their porch."
Along with the race, the Lions Club will also collect new, unwrapped Toys for Tots donations at the event, Husser noted.
Trophies will be awarded for both overall male and female finishers as well as top finishers in each age category. Husser noted, however, that the event doesn't focus on being a hardcore race. "It's low-key," she remarked. "There are serious runners among (the participants), but at the same time, a lot of people who come out do it just to dress up and have a good time out on the course. You don't have to run. We have lots of walkers, and that's also encouraged."
For more information on the race, visit http://www.manheimlions.org. To register for the race, visit http://www.runsignup.com and search for "Manheim Santa 5K Run and Walk."
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