While virtual runs have been on the rise amid the coronavirus pandemic, some races have returned to in-person events, including a few that are holiday-themed.
The annual Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run organized by Track Shack and presented by AdventHealth for Children takes place Dec. 12. The race usually guides participants through SeaWorld Orlando, but this year it will be hosted at a new location: Lake Concord Park in Casselberry.
“We were told SeaWorld is not producing any special events at this time,” said Track Shack co-owner Jon Hughes.
However, a SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson stated that the park continues to host smaller consumer events.
“Unfortunately due to the state’s current COVID-19 health guidelines and restrictions, we are unable to host this year’s 5K Reindeer Run,” the spokesperson said. “We do look forward to having it back again at our park in the future.”
Hughes’s search for an alternate location was easier than anticipated. Track Shack usually hosts Battle of the Bands in September at Lake Concord Park but couldn’t this year amid the pandemic.
“We couldn’t get permits to put outdoor events on and we had to make it go virtual,” he said. Since the September race didn’t take place there, Hughes thought the Casselberry spot would be a perfect option for the Reindeer Run.
“We contacted [the city of] Casselberry, and they’re just so great,” he said. “Casselberry said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’d be great because we really missed you … let’s do it here.’ “
The in-person race will feature several safety measures, including hand sanitizing stations, social distancing markers and mask requirements except while on the racecourse.
“All runners must wear a mask before and after they run, and anytime they’re in the staging area,” said Hughes, who noted runners will be released in waves to allow for social distancing and minimize the need for passing. “It’s gonna be very, very spread out on the course.”
In a year like 2020, Hughes believes the emotional, mental and physical benefits of running are needed now more than ever.
“People have been waiting for so, so long to be able to get out there, and while they can’t actually visit closely with their friends, they can see some people they haven’t seen literally for months,” he said. “We know how important exercise is, and for one thing, it actually does help the immune system.”
It also helps return a bit of normalcy, even if that means the inconvenience of closing roads temporarily during the race.
“We even had one resident say … ‘We’re so happy to see the road closed sign, that the road can be closed for the race, because it just makes you feel like this is how things used to be.’ “
If you go: The race starts at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at 95 Triplet Lake Drive in Casselberry. The in-person event caps at 1,500 runners, though there is also a virtual option. The 5K costs $35 through Dec. 11 ($5 off for ages 17 and younger as well as 65 and older), which includes a souvenir jingle bell ornament, long sleeve shirt and Santa Claus hat. Proceeds from the event benefit cultural arts organizations in Casselberry, plus participants are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys that will be donated to Toys for Tots. For more information, go to trackshack.com/event/236.
In addition to the Reindeer Run, there are a few other holiday-themed races in Central Florida.
14th annual Candy Cane 5K: The Winter Springs event is offered virtually this year on Dec. 12 and benefits Boys Town Central Florida. $35 in advance or $40 on race day (includes shirt); runsignup.com
2020 Elf Classic Running Festival: Run a 5K, 10K or go for the Distance Dare (15K). 7 a.m. Dec. 12 at Lake Louisa State Park, 7305 U.S. 27 in Clermont; $20 for 5K, $30 for 10K or $40 for 15K; epicsportsmarketing.com/our-races/elf-classic
Naughty or Nice 5K: 8 a.m. Dec. 13 at Front Running Sports, 1061 S. Sun Drive in Lake Mary; registration cost varies by date and option; runsignup.com/Race/FL/LakeMary/NaughtyorNice5K
The Winter-ish 5K at Blanchard Park: It’s winter in Florida, so it could be hot or cold on race day. 8:30 a.m. Dec. 13 at Jay Blanchard Park, 2451 Dean Road in Orlando; $15; runsignup.com/Race/FL/Orlando/TheWinterish5katBlanchardPark
Mount Dora Half Marathon & 5K: This year’s races benefit Future Farmers of America of Mount Dora High School and Run 4 a Cause Foundation. The 5K takes place 7:45 a.m. Dec. 19, while the half marathon starts at 7 a.m. Dec. 20, both at Elizabeth Evans Park (100 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora). $40 for 5K, $85 for half marathon and $89 for both (all include a shirt and holiday-themed medal); runsignup.com/Race/FL/MountDora/MountDoraHalfMarathon5K
Run Run Santa 1 Mile: This race in which racers don Santa costumes takes place 7:30 a.m. Dec. 19 in Viera (Calvary Chapel Viera, 2852 Fellowship Place) and 7:30 a.m. Dec. 20 in Vero Beach (Pocahontas Park, 2140 14th Ave.). The Viera event benefits the Calvary Chapel Youth Outreach program and the Vero Beach event benefits the Babies & Beyond program. Registration ranges from $28-$65; runsignup.com/Race/FL/Viera/RunRunSanta1Mile
Winter 5K: 8 a.m. Dec. 19 at Gemini Springs Park, 37 Dirksen Road in DeBary; registration cost varies by date and option (includes shirt and medal); raceroster.com
Want to reach out? Email me at kchristiansen@orlandosentinel.com. Find more fun things on Instagram @fun.things.orlando and Facebook @fun.things.orlando.
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