Service League's Reindeer Run Trots Into Canton on Saturday

Hundreds of runners and walkers alike will take to the streets of downtown Canton to participate in the 12th annual Run For The Children Reindeer Run.

The holiday-themed event — presented by the Service League of Cherokee County — will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 in downtown Canton.

The race begins and ends at the gazebo in Cannon Park located at the square in downtown Canton and follows a route through the historic business district and surrounding neighborhoods.

Race day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the gazebo in Cannon Park. The cost is $30 for the 5K and $15 to participate in the Fun-Run. Pre-race package pickup will be available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Cannon Park.

The 1-Mile Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event benefit the needy children of Cherokee County.

Millie Cline, publicity chair with the Service League, said the race is already up to 800 participants, “which is amazing.”

A $1,000 cash prize provided by CLB Contracting and the Credit Union of Georgia will be awarded to the school in Cherokee County with the most race participants. Anyone can register as a school affiliate to help a school win the award.

“It’s still a neck-and-neck race between Avery Elementary and Sixes Elementary schools for the most race participants, one of which will ultimately win the $1,000 cash prize courtesy of CLB Contracting and the Credit Union of Georgia,” Cline said.

Santa Claus himself will be on hand as runners ‘jingle all the way’ through town to help others in need during this holiday season. Santa will be available pre-race to pose for holiday photographs with race participants.

All pre-registered runners will receive a long-sleeved T-shirt. Cash prizes will be awarded in the 5K race to the top three overall male and female runners unless they fall under the NAIA Amateur Status Rule.

Medals will be awarded to the top male and female masters and the top three males and females in standard age groups. All 1-Mile Fun Run participants will receive a commemorative ribbon.

Photo credit: Patch file