A festive 5K will take place in Cape Coral this weekend, helping participants keep their holiday season on a healthy track.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department will host its fourth annual\u00a0Reindeer Run\u00a0on Dec. 13, at Coral Oaks Golf Course. <\/p>\n
This event is a family-friendly run, with participants encouraged to come dressed in holiday-themed garb.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Participants can choose a 5K run or a 1.5-mile family fun run. The run will be on the cart path through the golf course, making it is a stroller\/family-friendly race. Walking entrants are welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis being our fourth annual Reindeer\u202fRun, we\u2019re absolutely delighted to host it again,\u201d said Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Director Joe Petrella. \u201cEach year we see more community members, more festive outfits, more families, and more holiday spirit-and to us that means this event just keeps getting better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Petrella said seeing people come out and really embrace dressing up for the occasion makes the event even more fun for all involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things we love most is seeing people show up in full holiday mode: reindeer antlers, Santa hats, fun costumes,\u201d he said. \u201cWhether you\u2019re running the 5K or walking the 1.5\u202fmile family fun run\/walk, the festive dress\u2011up really sets the tone for fun and community connection.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 5K run starts at 5 p.m., with the 1.5 family fun run beginning at 6. Runners and athletes of all skill levels are welcomed out on the course. Packet pickup is at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe intentionally structure the event to welcome everyone-from seasoned 5K runners whose chip-time results are tracked, to families and walkers who may just be starting out with the 1.5\u202fmile fun run\/walk,\u201d Petrella said. \u201cThe goal is inclusivity \u2014 you set your pace, you bring your spirit, and you join the celebration.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the race, the Parks and Recreation team invites runners and walkers to spend time in Santa\u2019s Workshop area with light refreshments, or have kids take free photos with a special guest, Rudolph the Reindeer. There will be plenty of activities for the whole family.<\/p>\n
Registration is $25 for the 5K and $30 on the day-of the event. The Family Fun Run\/Walk is $15 for children ages 4 to 12, and $20 for those 13 and older ($20 and $25 respectively on day-of race). There are also combo tickets available for $35, or $40 on the day-of the run\/walk. Registration includes a performance shirt (while supplies last), chip time, light refreshments, and a video finish. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re encouraging everyone \u2014 runners, walkers, families, friends \u2014 to come out, dress in your holiday best, and make this a joyful kick\u2011off to the season right here in Cape\u202fCoral,\u201d Petrella said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For more information and to register, visit\u00a0capereindeerrun.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Coral Oaks Golf Course is at\u00a01800 NW 28th Ave.<\/p>\n