There are so many reasons to wear a Santa suit this December. Sure, the jolly guy in red is more associated with milk and cookies than 5Ks and downhill skiing, but who really knows how he spends his down time? Besides, there’s no rule against running a 5K and then having a few cookies – or beer – after.
Here are some upcoming Santa events you should suit up for:
Santa Sunday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Sunday River, Newry
$15 or more donation to the Sunday River Community Fund
www.sundayriver.com
Skiing. Dressed like Santa. This annual event at Sunday River fills up fast, so if you want to participate, make sure you’re hovering over your computer at noon on Nov. 26, when registration opens. You can ski all morning, so long as you have a Santa hat, suit and beard. You should probably know how to ski, too. $15 donation goes to the Sunday River Community Fund.
Fit Maine checked it out: See the photos
ALSO: Sunday River is also hosting the Santa 5K Charity Run on Saturday, Dec. 1. FMI: runsignup.com/Race/ME/Newry/Santa5KCharityRun
Wesley’s Jingle Dash for Cancer
9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Hybrid Fitness, Thomaston
www.facebook.com/events/2035386963189055/ and runsignup.com/Race/ME/Thomaston/WesleysJingleDashforCancer
The first Annual Wesley’s Jingle Walk was created to help financially support Wesley Grindle in his battle against cancer. Each year it will continue to support other long-time community members that need a helping hand through a life-altering transition. The event begins with the “dash,” a brisk and crisp winter walk around Thomaston, and finishes with the “jingle” at Indigo Café. The “jingle” will feature local acoustic musicians accompanied by home style crockpot dishes and soup.
Santa Hustle Maine 5K
8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
The Maine Mall, South Portland
$44.75 in advance, $60 day of
www.santahustle.com/maine/
Considering Santa is one of the fastest-moving people in the world (delivering all those presents all over the world in just one night), it makes sense that there’s a Santa-inspired road race. Dress up in your best Christmas ensemble (Santa hats and beards provided) and run a 5K in South Portland that starts at The Maine Mall. There will be festive music and cookies ON THE COURSE and an after party, too!
Jingle Bell Run/Walk
9 a.m. (kids run), 9:30 a.m. (5K) Sunday, Dec. 2
Mast Landing School, 20 Mollymauk Lane, Freeport
$40 ($20 kids run)
events.arthritis.org
You’re welcome to go all-out Santa for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Or elf it up. Or wait – run as a yeti! No matter what your inspiration, you’re encouraged to wear a holiday themed costume and run to raise fund for the Arthritis Foundation.
Shipyard Seaside Santa Dash 5K
9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
86 Beach Avenue Kennebunk
$30 (Seaside Santa Dash) and $10 (Elf Dash)
www.facebook.com/events/2217173495212599/ and runsignup.com/Race/ME/Kennebunk/ShipyardSeasideSantaDash
If you don’t own your own Santa suit, never fear. The first 100 registrants of the Seaside Santa Dash get a free Santa suit. This event, which includes a 5K and kids “Elf Dash,” in part of Prelude in the Kennebunks and the course includes some running on the beach and the roads. After the race, head to Federal Jack’s for a Shipyard Prelude Special Ale (or whatever suits your fancy) during the the awards and after-party. Organizers are also collecting unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.
Reindeer Dash for Toys for Tots
10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
First National Bank, Union Street Branch, Rockland
$20 with a new, unwrapped toy (to be donated to Toys for Tots) or $25 without a toy
runsignup.com and www.facebook.com/reindeerdash4toys
Wear whatever holiday attire you prefer for this annual 4-mile run/walk in Rockland. Bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
Portland Trails Holiday Dash Winter 5K
11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9
Eastern Prom Trail (near Ri Ra), Portland
$35 race fee includes brunch and a ticket for pint of local beverage
trails.org/calendar/portland-trails-holiday-dash-winter-5k
A little snow doesn’t stop Santa. And it shouldn’t stop a runner dressed like Santa. Who knows what the weather will be like on December 9, but whatever happens (sleet, sub-zero temperatures) know that your participation in this race benefits Portland Trails AND you’ll get free brunch and a beverage at Ri Ra Irish Pub afterward. Bonus.
Fit Maine went last year! Check out the photos
Sunday Snow Shoeing with Santa
1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23
Nordic Heritage Sport Club, Presque Isle
www.facebook.com/events/512965759113840/
Free
Little known fact: Santa loves to snowshoe. Join the big guy on the trails at the Nordic Heritage Sport Club for a guided hike, or explore the trails on your own. $2 snowshoe rentals available or BYO snowshoes. The lodge will be open at noon for hot cocoa and visits with Santa before hitting the trails.
This last one isn’t Santa-related, but it speaks to the holidays in a way I think we can all appreciate. With good humor, bathrobes, and photo opps near a porta-potty:
Bombers & Bathrobes: Christmas Vacation Primal Fitness
9-10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 23
Wolfpack Fitness, Auburn
$5
www.facebook.com/events/1484788424986984/
This is a “Christmas Vacation”-themed outdoor workout. Really, an ode to Cousin Eddie. Wear a bomber hat and bathrobe in his honor and Wolfpack Fitness founder Luke Robinson will donate of your admission (which is only $5, BTW) to a charity/non-profit of the group’s choosing. Dress for the weather – the workout is outdoors!
