published: Friday, December 07, 2012

Rotary preps for 'Santa Fun Run'

ROXANNE BROWN | Staff Writer

roxannebrown@dailycommercial.com

The Rotary Club of South Lake is preparing for its third annual "Santa Fun Run" on Saturday along Waterfront Park.

"This unique event gives the contestants the opportunity to wear a lightweight Santa Suit to begin the holiday spirit of the season," said event co-chairman and past Rotary Club President Roger Pierce."It's just so much fun to see as people finish the race, but to see several hundred Santas take off through the starting gate is wonderful."

The proceeds from the annual 5K (or 3.1 mile) race are used to fund the major youth programs such as scholarships, educational grants and other area youth programs that the South Lake Rotary Club partners with to support their missions.

In addition, some funds will be used toward Rotary's global Polio eradication effort.

On-site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The race begins at 8:30 a.m.

The on-site registration fee for participants ages 21 and up is $30 and $25 for those ages 6 through 20.

Children five and under are free.

Prizes will be awarded after the races are completed for various age groups.

Children running in the shorter run will receive a free elf's hat.

Pierce said this year, and having been challenged by his children and neighbors, he will be participating in the race.

Area businesses and school groups are encouraged to form competing teams, there are several other challenges that have been set in place as well.

One is a challenge by the Clermont Police Depart-ment, led by Interim Chief Chuck Broadway to the Clermont Fire Depart-ment, led by Captain David Kilburn, who is also a member of the Rotary Club.

Go to www.southlakerotary.com/santafunrun.