Kids & Family

Nearly 1,000 Santas Run for Kids in Crystal Lake

2nd Annual Santa Run draws nearly 1,000 participants in downtown Crystal Lake.

A merry magical morning. 

That is one way to describe the Kiwanis Santa Run for Kids on Sunday in Crystal Lake. 

The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect for running, and a total of 967 participants donned Santa suits or reindeer antlers for the 2nd Annual 5K, 1 Mile Run/Walk in downtown Crystal Lake.

"We're very pleased," said Kiwanis member Mike Splitt, co-chairman of the run. "This is just fantastic that the community is backing the children by coming out to this run."

The Kiwanis Club of Crystal Lake hosts the Santa Run as a way to raise money for McHenry County organizations serving children. The more than $20,000 raised last year benefitted Turning Point, CASA, Girls on the Run Northern Illinois, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Main Stay Therapeutic Riding. 

Registrations for the 2013 Santa Run increased 30 percent over last year's, which drew an impressive 750 participants in it first year.

This year's event was filled with participants of all ages- and several four-legged friends decked out in holiday garb. Runners, walkers and parents pushing strollers joined in the fun. 

A 72-year-old Hebron rode in buggy pulled by her 32-inch tall miniature horse, Buddy, in the 5K. She also held her dog in her lap as the trio made their way along the course. 

See slide show of photographs. 


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