On the morning of Sunday, December 10th the area around the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club will be a sea of red Santas.
More than 1000 runners will be dressed up as Santa Claus, beard and all, for VRPro’s 10th annual Santa Race along Hamilton’s waterfront. Race Director Kelly Arnott says, “The atmosphere is festive with red suits and running shoes. People are happy, they’re in the festive spirit. It’s a celebration of the magic of the season.”
Get fit and have fun
VRPro’s Santa Race is where the spirit of Christmas meets the thrill of a competitive run, bringing people of all ages and abilities together. VRPro is pleased that the Hamilton Academy of Medicine is partnering with them this year. Arnott says, “The organizers at the Hamilton Academy of Medicine are encouraging doctors from around the Golden Horseshoe lace up their running shoes for the race and to urge their patients to come out and get some exercise. You can register for the race at www.vrpro.ca.
The race will be hosted at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club at 555 Bay Street North. The 1K starts and ends at the Yacht Club. Both the 5K and the 10K route is an out-and-back style course that starts at the Yacht Club, follows the waterfront and ends at Williams Fresh Café. The 5K race will turn around at the end of the Bayfront Park loop and the 10K race will turn around at the bridge.
Race start times:
- 1K starts at 9:15am
- 5K and 10K races start at 10am
At the end of the race, runners can get out of the cold and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and a breakfast sandwich at Williams Fresh Café. That is also the location where the awards will be given out.
Each runner will receive a keepsake finisher’s medal, that is a tiny Christmas present which opens to reveal Santa Claus. The top three runners in their age category will receive a beautiful Santa Claus trophy.
Embracing the spirit of giving
This year’s Santa Hamilton Race will be supporting Mission Services of Hamilton, in partnership with the Hamilton Academy of Medicine.
More than a meal, Mission Services is a non-profit, multi-social service agency that believes every person deserves access to healthy food, safe housing, and opportunities for tomorrow. Mission Services serves more than 20,000 people in need each year. Kelly Arnott is urging race participants to make a cash donation or bring one of the many items that are needed. The list of items can be found on the Santa Race registration page.
Preparing for race day
Race kit pickup is at the Stoney Creek Running Room Store at 1791 Stone Church Road East in Hamilton.
- Friday, December 8th at noon to 5pm
- Saturday, December 9th at noon to 5pm
- Sunday, December 10th race day at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
Kelly Arnott reminds runners that the race kit includes a velour Santa suit that can be worn to future races. Discounts are available for seniors and children under the age of 16. If you participate in two Santa Races, you receive a free 5K race in the future.
Runners come for the Hamilton Santa Race from across Southern Ontario and upstate New York. Local hotels are offering participants and their families discounts. Go to the www.vrpro.ca website for more details. Race day parking is available at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, the Pier 4 lot at the ice-skating rink, and the Leander Boat Club.
VRP Pro’s Santa Race is not only a physical challenge for the runners but an experience that brings the magic of Christmas to life along Hamilton’s waterfront.
For registration and race day details visit: www.vrpro.ca.