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Just two weeks before Santa Claus mans that famous sleigh and guides Rudolph around the globe to deliver presents, he will be in New Orleans for a day of exercise and fun.
A total of 3,999 lookalikes will be on hand, as well, to join in on what should be a day that all adult Santa lovers will remember for years.
The “Running of the Santas” will take place on Dec. 12 – the event’s fifth run in the New Orleans Warehouse District.
The event has grown since its infancy, now encompassing thousands of Santas throughout the day. Event organizer Matt Williard said it’s the perfect way for adults to ring in the holiday season.
“There’s nothing like getting people into the mood for the holidays,” Williard said. “We’ve grown since our first run, and we’re hoping for 4,000 runners and participants this year. It’s a lot of run and it’s so cool to see the people come out in their costumes and compete throughout the day.”
The event format is exactly how it sounds – it’s a time for Santa Claus to show off his speed and agility on a short racing course.
Participants dressed as 01′ Saint Nick will line up on race day at the “South Pole” and the object of the event is to navigate through four blocks of New Orleans en route to the “North Pole,” which is the finish line.
But there’s a whole lot of partying that goes on in between.
The South Pole starting point is located at The Rusty Nail on 1100 Constance St., where runners will gather for live music and drink specials at 2 p.m.
After more than three hours of fun and music, the running begins at 5:45 p.m. on a course that weaves through downtown New Orleans.
It all ends at the “North Pole,” which is otherwise known as Generations Hall, located at 310 Andrew Higgins Drive.
After the race is done, partygoers can dance the night away at either the North or South Pole, as both are loaded with entertainment. The Rusty Nail will have food by Rock-n-Sake Bar and Sushi and music by DJ Scott Satchfield. The North Pole will have Category 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. and Flow Tribe from 8:30-10 p.m.
Williard said the race isn’t meant to be competitive, adding that most of the Santa lookalikes utilize a “fast walk or slow jog” kind of pace.
He said the real focus is on the music, fun and togetherness in the holiday season.
“But there are some who go all-out,” Williard said with a laugh. “It’s absolutely hilarious to see someone in that costume trying to run as fast as he can to get to the finish line. That’s always a sight to see.”
Williard said it’s also a sight that is seen at various places throughout the country. The event organizer said the New Orleans event is part of a worldwide series of Santa runs – each event also growing in popularity.
The first started in 1998 in the downtown streets of Philadelphia when 40 close friends got in full-on Santa attire and bar hopped.
The event is now in 20 cities from Pennsylvania to New Orleans and also now to the shores of New Zealand, as well.
“It’s really taking off,” Williard said. “People love this kind of stuff. It’s easy to see why. It’s a fun concept.”
Tickets to the “Running of the Santas” can be purchased on race day, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Rusty Nail. But Williard recommends that runners purchase tickets in advance online at www.runningofthesantas.com. Advanced tickets are $25.
A portion of the proceeds benefits That Others May Live Foundation, which provides scholarships, family counseling and aid to surviving children of United States Air Force Rescue Heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice during a rescue mission. •
The Running of the Santas is exactly as it sounds. It features close to 4,000 folks in full Santa costume, running through the streets of New Orleans. The event will take place Dec. 12 – the fifth-straight year the event occurs.
The scene Saturday in New Orleans will look a lot like this. It will be thousands of Santas running for a good cause through New Orleans.
