Reindeer Romp closing in

Published 4:40 pm Saturday, November 17, 2012

Instead of flying through the starry skies this holiday season, reindeer will be running through Selma to raise money for two worthy causes.

The second annual Reindeer Romp 5K Run and Walk will be held Dec. 8 beginning at 9 a.m. at Bloch Park. All proceeds from the run benefit the Christian Outreach Alliance Food Pantry and Living in Hope Cancer Transportation Service.

Bill Potter, race director, said since this is the second year for the race, he and the other organizers are still trying to get it off the ground.

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“After doing the Integrity Run, a few of us decided that there needed to be another run before the holiday season,” Potter said. “So a group of us got together and created the Reindeer Romp.”

Last year, Potter said they raised more than $400 for the food pantry, and he expects that amount to grow this year.

“We’re hoping to have a really large crowd this year,” Potter said. “We’re still getting started off with registrations, but if we had anywhere from 100 to 150 race participants, that would be a good event for us.”

Wallace Community College has also pledged to help in this year’s race. Potter said several students from the marketing department and audiovisual department have volunteered to help market the race.

“They’re doing a big share of the work this year,” Potter said of Wallace.

Residents can register for the race by picking up a form at Vaughn Fitness Center or the YMCA of Selma. Cost for adults is $15 and children 13 and younger are $10. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Bloch Park pavilion on Marina Drive. The race begins and ends at Bloch Park.

Potter said there will also be a prize given to the most festive dressed runner.

“We encourage people that do come out to put on their best Christmas outfit that they can run or walk in,” Potter said.

Potter also said he encourages everyone to come out and participate because it’s fun and for a good cause.

“Anytime you can help people, that’s a good cause,” he said. “Especially around this time of the year — the holiday season.”