Wheaton to welcome back Reindeer Run 5K

WHEATON – The 10th Annual Wheaton Lions Club Reindeer Run 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 4, with a virtual alternative race also offered.

The annual tradition will give runners the option of running the race in real time on Dec. 4 or participating in a virtual race at a time of their choosing, a news release stated.

The race went completely virtual last year due to the pandemic, providing runners an opportunity to participate all over the United States, organizers stated. This year, the in-person run will be part of the mix.

The CARA-certified, chip-timed 5K run is presented by the Wheaton Park District in partnership with the Wheaton Lions Club Charities.

“We are honored to partner again with the Wheaton Park District for the 10th Annual Reindeer Run 5K Race,” Joel Riley, who chairs the Wheaton Lions Club Reindeer Run Committee, stated in the release. “It has become a family favorite. We have raised over $350,000 that goes directly to serve the needs of our greater community. We could not do this without the tremendous support of our local sponsors and many dedicated runners.”

The Wheaton Lions Club supports programs that serve people with visual and hearing impairment and other local social service agencies. A portion of the proceeds from the Reindeer Run will be donated to such causes as the DuPage County Historical Museum.

The race will begin on Main Street just south of Wesley Street and north of Front Street, and will finish at 100 E. Wesley St., just east of Main Street, near the DuPage County Historical Museum.

Runners are encouraged to add holiday spirit with costumes and accessories. All runners will receive faux reindeer antlers and a long-sleeved commemorative tech shirt.

As awards are announced after the race, runners and their guests can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee and water available near the finish line in Adams Park. A post-race party featuring food and drink specials will be hosted by Ivy Restaurant, 120 N. Hale St.

Youth and adult-sized T-shirts will be available on a first-come basis, to be distributed at packet pickup on Dec. 2 and on race day. Packet pickup will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Wheaton Park District Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard St.

Registration is available online through 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30 at wheatonparkdistrict.com. Advance in-person registration costs $35 per runner; the fee is $25 per runner for the virtual race. Registration also will be available at packet pickup on Dec. 2 and on race day for a $40 fee. Entry fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable. All participants must sign a waiver.

For more information, contact the race director, Michelle Artis, at martis@wheatonparks.org or 630-510-5135.