December Holiday/Charity Race Lineup

Ahh December, the season of giving. While it’s easy to get caught up in shopping, holiday parties and prepping for travel and/or guests, it’s important not to forget the reason for the season! A great way to give back and benefit your own health a bit is by participating in a charity race. Austin and surrounding cities have plenty of races to choose from, and with fun holiday themes it would be a great activity for the family. Below are just a few holiday races for the month of December, hope to see you there!

12/2/2011
Lights of Love 5K – This race benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and offers pictures with Santa, crafts, music and more. The event is from 5-9pm and dogs are welcome, so come and bring the whole fam!

Youth For Christmas 5K – The 2nd annual Youth For Christmas 5K will take place in Gonzales, Texas at 8:00am and is a mix between a road race and trail race. The proceeds will benefit religious youth activities.

Light the Night For Sight 5K – This walk/run will take place at SeaWorld San Antonio and benefits Prevent Blindness Texas. The route takes you through the beautifully decorated park of SeaWorld and offers plenty of activities for the family. The race begins at 7pm.

12/3/2011
Jingle Paws Classic – Walk or Run with your canine companion. Awards for top 3 in each division, overall male and female, and top 3 dogs. Race starts at 8:00am in Helotes, TX and benefits the Helotes Humane Society.

Jingle Bell Stroll 5k – This 5k takes place through the scenic streets and neighborhoods of Brenham, Texas. They will be collecting gently used athletic shoes to be distributed by The Shoe Bank to those in need. Also, those who bring an unwrapped toy the morning of the race to be donated to Washington County Good Fellows will receive a free Santa Hat! The race begins at 8:00am.

Rudolph’s 5K Run/2K Walk – A run/walk benefiting the Wimberly local Food Bank: Crisis Bread Basket. The race begins at 9:00am.

12/4/2011
Jingle Bell 5k – This event includes a timed run, fun run, walk and kids’ run with jingle bells. The race is in Austin and begins at 8:00am – and get this, Santa will be there! Also it benefits MADD, so don’t miss it!

Mistletoe Fun Run – This event includes both a 5K and 10K fun run, family walk and kids fun run – something for everyone! Not to mention there is also a costume contest with a $25 gift card prize! If these reasons aren’t enough to participate in this Cypress, Texas race, it also benefits Run Over Cancer. The races begin at 7:30am.

Round Rock Reindeer Run – A 5K timed run and family fun run to raise funds for building a Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock for children with cognitive or physical challenges. The race starts at 5pm.

12/10/21011
Jingle Bell 5K for St. Judes – 19th annual 5k run benefiting St. Judes Ranch for Children. The race begins (9:00am) and ends in beautiful Gruene Texas. Post-race festivities includes food and beverages with prizes and entertainment.

Schlotzsky’s Jingle Bun Run – A half marathon, 5K and Family Fun Run will be offered at this year’s Schlotzky’s Jingle Bun Run in Temple Texas. Races begin at 8:45am.

Santa Shuffle – This 5K in Comanche, Texas is the perfect start to an evening filled with holiday fun. Following the race will be the annual Christmas Lights parade. The race starts at 4:30pm and those who bring a toy for Santa’s Helpers get a discount on registration!

12/11/2011
Brown Santa 5K & Kids K -This annual Austin, Texas race offers a 5K and Kids K and begins at 8:15am. All proceeds will benefit the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Brown Santa program, a non profit organization that assists needy families living in rural Travis County during the Christmas season.

12/17/2011
Jingle Bell Run – Girls Running Wild hosts this year’s Jingle Bell Run in Eastland, Texas benefiting Siebert Elementary PTO. The race will feature cookies and cider at the North Pole Finish line, so show up at 9:00am at Siebert Elementary ready to go!

San Antonio Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis – Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume and help benefit The Arthritis Foundation. The race is at 5:00pm.

12/18/2011
Austin Reindeer Run – This 5K course through the streets of Camp Mabry benefits the toys for tots program. Help our marines give children a happy holidays all while getting in a workout with races beginning at 9:00am. They also offer a kids sleigh run measuring 1k of snowflakes, so bring the family for some holiday fun!

1/1/2012
Resolution Run – This Round Rock 5K is a great way to kick start those New Year’s resolutions. Come early for free donuts, coffee, hot chocolate and more! The race begins at 2pm so there’s plenty of time to sleep-in. Proceeds benefit Helen Keller International, Foundation for Fighting Blindness AND Lone Star Lions Eye Bank.

Hope to see you all at some holiday races, Austin! And remember, if you’re not a runner/walker, races can ALWAYS use more volunteers!