Ho-Ho-Ho and Go! The 2024 Reindeer Run Race Preview

This time of year, the weather is getting colder and wetter and it’s harder to find holiday races. On Saturday, December 7^th, consider driving to Saint Helens for Oregon’s only Reindeer Run, the annual Reindeer Run.

This event is hosted by Columbia River Foursquare Church and this year donations will go to Columbia Pacific Foodbank and The St. Helens Senior Center. Since their first year in 2010, more that $139,000 has been raised for local charities, and this makes such a huge difference during a season when we should be thinking about helping others.

All participants will get a long-sleeved tech fabric shirt as well as a finisher medal. There’s a costume contest too, and if you win, you’ll get a free race entry for next year. Even better, all runners have the option of waiting inside a warm indoor staging areas where the music will be hopping and refreshments will be available. No standing in the cold and feeling your toes go numb! There will be a bag drop too, so feel free to bring some warm clothes for after the race!

The half marathon walkers and 3+ hour runners will start at 7:30AM, followed by the rest of the half marathoners at 8:30. The 10k takes off at 8:45AM and the 5k leaves 15 minutes later at 9:00AM.  There is one aid station at the 5k turn around at the McBride school, as well as aid at the end of the race.

The 10k will have 4 aid stations and the half will have 6 stations. Water, Gatorade, and a Sani-Can will be available at each one. Look out for “volundeers” directing racers, but be aware that streets will not be closed. You can check out the course map here.

So get out and Run, Rudolph, Run!!