Lions Club Reindeer Run

Who does this race benefit?
Wheaton Lions Club Charities is proud to support programs that serve the visual and hearing impaired but also supports other local social service agencies. A portion of the proceeds from the 2022 Reindeer Run will be donated to such causes as the DuPage County Historical Museum. Additional donations are always welcome.

Are there registration and entry fees?

• Registration for the in-person race is $30 per runner through November 3, 2022 at 11:59P CDT.
• Registration for the in-person race is $35 per runner from November 4 through November 29, 2022 at 11:59P CDT.
• Registration for the in-person race is $40 per runner from November 30, 2022 through December 3.
• Registration will be available at packet pick-up (December 1) and on race day (December 3).
• Registration for the virtual race is $30 per runner.
• Entry fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Are there any race bundles?
The Race Wheaton bundle is available through June 4. Challenge yourself to a 5K each season in 2022. Start off with the Fun Run in Color in April, tackle the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals in June, and keep the momentum going with the Night Run in October and complete the year with the festive Reindeer Run in December.

What t-shirt sizes will be available for runners?
Youth and adult sizes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. T-shirts will be given out at packet pick-up (December 1st) or on race day (December 3rd).

Are kids allowed to participate?
Yes, this race is open to all ages.

When is packet pick-up?
Packet pick-up will be Thursday, December 1 between 10A-7P at Wheaton Park District Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard St.). If you cannot make the pre-race packet pick-up, racers may pick up their packets on Saturday, December 3rd from 7:30-8:15A on the 2nd floor of the DuPage County Historical Museum.

What should I wear?
Participants are encouraged to dress in comfortable, warm clothes and OF COURSE bring some holiday cheer. What says holidays more than Santa, Mrs. Claus, Reindeers, and Elves!?! We encourage everyone to dress up in their favorite holiday costume! All runners receive reindeer antlers and a long-sleeve commemorative tech shirt.

Where is the route?
The race begins on Main Street just south of Wesley Street and north of Front Street and will finish on 100 E. Wesley just east of Main Street.

Can we bring strollers? Pets? Skates? Bicycles?
Strollers are welcome but must start the race from the back of the heat. When running with a stroller, please be conscious of the other runners in front of you who may stop suddenly. The following are prohibited on the course: pets, dogs, bicycles, in-line skates or other wheeled items. Service dogs must be approved 1 week before the race by emailing Carolyn Wilkin, Race Director, at cwilkin@wheatonparks.org.

Will there be restrooms?
Portable restrooms are located on Wesley Street, across from DuPage County Historical Museum.

Where can we park?
Recommended parking at the parking garage just west of the Wesley and Hale intersection. The Wheaton Library has requested runners do not use their lot for parking based on the volume of visitors on Saturday mornings.

Do I have to sign a waiver?
Every participant will be required to sign a waiver when registering online. For those under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver. Racers are not able to participate without a signed waiver.

Where should I go for safety/first aid?
First aid stations and medical personnel will be available to all runners if required. Stations are located at the finish line and the water station.

What if there’s inclement weather?
This race will happen rain or shine! The run committee will continue to monitor the weather and follow the proper protocol in place regarding inclement weather including but not limited to thunderstorms, tornadoes and heat. The run committee holds the right to cancel, alter or postpone the event due to inclement weather.

Where can I find my race results? Will there be awards?
Runners can also find their time by checking their bib number at a kiosk on-site. The awards ceremony will follow shortly after the runners have finished. Awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers (chip time) as well as the top three finishers in each male and female age category (chip time). After the run, results can be viewed on www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/reindeerrun. Participants will also receive an email with timing results following the race.

How is my time being collected? Is there a cut-off time?
Each bib is tagged with a timing chip. Please do not remove the chip from the bib. Bibs MUST be displayed at torso height on the front and be visible at all times during the race. Age category awards are determined based on chip time.

Will there be any post-race activities?
Post-race refreshments, including hot chocolate, coffee and water will be available near the finish line in Adams Park.

Not a walker or runner? VOLUNTEER!
Volunteers are essential to the success of the race. All volunteers receive a long sleeve t-shirt. Please click the VOLUNTEER tab at the top of the page or contact Joe Viso at jviso@wheatonparks.org

Further Questions
For more information and further questions; please contact the Race Director, Carolyn Wilkin at cwilkin@wheatonparks.org.

Awards for Reindeer Run:
Overall Male | Chip Time
Overall Female | Chip Time

Top 3 finishers in each age category (chip time):
Male | 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & up
Female | 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & up

Medals will be awarded following the race.