As many as 150 Santas of all shapes, sizes and genders got in the holiday hoofing spirit Saturday with the annual Santa Rec Run.
Read more:Santa Rec Run on course for Nov. 25
Presented by Hoodoo Adventures and the Bears Den Restaurant, this was a family-friendly event with five and 10-kilometre races and a whole host of fun in between. As well, this year a 1.5-kilometre run has been added for the kids.
The $1,300 raised will go to the Youth Outdoor Recreation Society, a non-profit subsidy program which funds outdoor recreation opportunities for schools in the Okanagan-Skaha School District.
“That’s really exciting that will see hundreds of kids out climbing, hiking, biking and that’s what this is all about and we’re excited everybody came out to support us,” said organizer Lyndie Hill of Hoodoo Adventures as the final stragglers ho hoed their way across the finish line at the vacant lot next door. “We’re looking forward to growing the event even more in the future. We have some really exciting ideas for next year.”
Colleen Hodge in her over-the-top Santa outfit was back again for the fifth time in the five years of the event.
“We’re doing this for the kids and to get healthy and to have fun. I’ve done all of these, it’s just getting dressed up and having fun,” she said afterwards.
Inside the Hoodoo shop there was a special “climb by donation” on the facility’s wall, proceeds of which also were donated to the cause and was very much in use.
The courses for all competitors, including the little ones, started out on Ellis Street down to Okanagan Lake along the lakefront to the SS Sicamous and beyond for the longer distance and then back along the same route.
Following the race there was hot chocolate and treats for everyone.