This Year's Santa Speedo Run To Benefit Sports Charity Group

Release: Atlanta Santa Run Inc.

As the weather turns chilly, it’s no surprise that the thoughts of many Atlantans turn to donning a Speedo and taking a run.

On Saturday, Dec. 12, hundreds of barely-clad brave hearts will have the chance to do just that when they join in the 7th annual Atlanta Santa Speedo Run, a 1.5-mile fun run and social event that raises funds for a different charity each year. In 2015, the run’s beneficiary is BlazeSports America, an organization that changes lives every day with adaptive sports opportunities for children and military veterans with a physical disability.

“We found BlazeSports America to be an ideal fit for what we hope to accomplish with the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run each year,” said Jeremy Ploessel, Atlanta Santa Speedo Run event chair. “Earning the title of Atlanta Santa Speedo Run Beneficiary will allow the organization to reach more children with disabilities who are ready to have their lives and confidence level improve through sports participation.”

The first Atlanta Santa Speedo Run took place in 2009 in Virginia Highland, and this year, the run returns to its inaugural location, kicking off at 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at Manuel’s Tavern at 602 N. Highland Ave. NE. The goal this year is to raise $100,000 for BlazeSports America. Registration is now open!

For more information about the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run, including how to become a participant or a sponsor, visit AtlantaSantaSpeedoRun.org.

Since its inception, the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run has raised more than $475,000 for various charities. Past recipients have included Bert’s Big Adventure, Camp Twin Lakes, CHRIS Kids, Kate’s Club, CURE Childhood Cancer and Everybody Wins! Atlanta. The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run is the second largest event of its type in the country.