Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Lake Harriet in Southwest Minneapolis (Google Maps Map & Directions). Race day registration, pre-registered race # pick-up, tee shirts with the race start and finish located near the band shell on the Northwest side of the lake. The event begins at 9:00 a.m.with the Kids K (1 kilometer) for kids 8 & under. For all ages running the 5K the start is at 9:30 a.m. with Santa's hearty "Ho Ho Ho...GO".

Walkers and those with children in strollers are asked for your own safety and the safety of others to start at 9:40 a.m.

The Reindeer Run race route is a USA Track & Field certified 5K.

View Map

Registration for the 2009 Life Time Fitness Reindeer Run 5K and Kids K (1 km / 0.6 mile) will soon be available online and via mail. Or register in person at either Marathon Sports located in Minneapolis or at Gear West Ski & Run in Long Lake beginning at the end of October. Register at either of these stores and you'll receive your tee shirt (sling pack for the Kids K) and race number (just don't forget to bring the # to the event on race day). Access our registration page for more detailed information.

Registration Page

Cozy soft long sleeve t-shirt

Refreshments

Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph & elves

Pick up your race number and t-shirt between 8:00-9:15 a.m. on race morning near the bandshell at Lake Harriet. Kids K sling packs are available for pick up during the same time as tee shirts. T-shirts and sling packs will not be mailed.

Registered race participants who are interested in the contest will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the lot next to the band shell between the big tent and Lake Harriet Parkway. Get creative and dress up! Categories are:

• Groups of three or more (awards to twelve members)
• Pairs
• Individuals.

Santa and his helpers will pick the top three costumes in each category and the crowd will help decide the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Prizes for all winners. Get Creative ~ Don't be shy ~ Go for it!

For all our 22nd year, the Reindeer Run is partnered with Toys for Tots. We encourage all participants, volunteers and spectators to support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program by bringing a new toy on race day. All toys are given to children who live in our local area and who are in need this holiday season.

Please do not gift wrap your toys. Toys are needed for infants to teens.

Official Charity Page

Top five male and female win fun and functional Reindeer Run awards. Must be present to receive.
Please meet at the announcer's stand on the west side of Harriet Parkway at 10:15 a.m.

Official results will not be kept as this is a fun run. A display clock will be at the finish line, so watch for your time.

Please access the link provided for a map of the general area around Lake Harriet. Since the run course is on Lake Harriet Parkway and the Police will close access to that road by 9:00 a.m. (The Kids K starts at 9:00 a.m., the 5K run at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K walk at 9:40 a.m.). Please arrive early or find the best route to find parking and an access that does not include West Lake Harriet Parkway. Parking north of Lake Harriet around Lake Calhoun is a great idea...just a short walk to Harriet.

View Map

Parking at any large event can pose challenges. There are many spots available in all the residential areas just off Lake Harriet Parkway, on the south end of the lake heading to Minnehaha Creek by West 50th Street and around Lake Calhoun. Please arrive early enough to find a spot and if you are not familiar with the area, please remember where you parked! Be considerate of the people who live in the area.

Consider parking around Lake Calhoun or on the east side or south side of Lake Harriet and take a warm-up walk to the start. Avoid driving on Lake Harriet Parkway (the race course), especially from Wm Berry (north end of the lake) and by the band shell (start and finish area), as you'll lessen the frustration of slow moving traffic and the minimal parking that is available on the race course! As well, note that the large parking lot by the band shell is utilized for all the registration and refreshments activities and parking is not available there.

If you do park in any of the parking bays around Lake Harriet do not leave your spot before 10:45 a.m. in consideration of and for the safety of participants still on the race course. Thank You!

Sleigh measured 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk. The route goes counter clock-wise around Lake Harriet. The event takes place on Harriet Parkway roads which will be closed to vehicular traffic. Please: PARTICIPANTS MUST STAY ON THE ROAD AND NOT USE THE PATHS for any part of your race ~ Thank you! This run is actually a USA Track & Field certified 5K.

Call or on the run!...inc. at 763.557.9587 or email Rudolph's elves at reindeerrun@comcast.net. Register online on this site or through lifetimefitness.com/events.