Lions Club Reindeer Run

What is the Lions Club Reindeer Run?
The 10th Annual Lions Club Reindeer Run is a holiday run/walk 5K open for all ages held on Saturday, December 4 at 8:30A.

Are there registration and entry fees?
Registration is currently available. Participants are encouraged to sign up now at Runsignup.com. Online registration ends Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 11:59P. Advance in-person registration is $35 per in-person runner and $25 per virtual runner. Registration is also available at packet pick-up (December 2) and on race day (December 4) for $40. Entry fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

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 2) or on race day (December 4).

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 2 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 4 from 7:15-8:15A on the 2nd floor of the DuPage County Historical Museum (102 E. Wesley St.).

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. For details, download the 2021 Reindeer Run Race Route Map (PDF)

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 one week before the race by emailing Michelle Artis, Race Director, at martis@wheatonparks.org.

Will there be restrooms?
Portable restrooms are located on Wesley Street, across from DuPage County Historical Museum (102 E. Wesley St.).

Where can we park?
Recommended parking at the parking garage just west of the Wesley and Hale intersection:

Wheaton Place Garage – 232 West Wesley Street, 1st & 2nd Floor
1.5 blocks west of the DuPage County Historical Museum, between Wheaton Avenue & Hale Street

The Wheaton Library has requested that runners do not use their lot for parking based on the volume of library 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.

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.

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 this page. Participants will also receive an email with timing results following the race.

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.

Will there be any post-race activities?
Post-race refreshments, including hot chocolate, coffee and water will be available next to the finish line in Adams Park. Ivy Restaurant, located just two blocks west of the finish line, will also be hosting a post-race party at their restaurant with food and drink specials located at 120 N. Hale St.

Not a walker or runner? VOLUNTEER!
Volunteers are essential to the success of the race. All volunteers receive a long sleeve t-shirt. To sign up or for more information, please contact Terri Lightbody at singingterbear@aol.com.

Further Questions
For more information and further questions; please contact the Race Director, Michelle Artis at martis@wheatonparks.org or 630-510-5135.

What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is self-timed and can be completed by participants on their favorite outdoor run/walk route or on a treadmill. There is no official race route or start time.

Is there a virtual racecourse?
Runners/walkers may select their own 5K route or run ours! ( 2021 Reindeer Run Race Route ) Virtual runners get to run your virtual 5K on your own time outside or indoors on a track or treadmill. Remember to be safe, practice social distancing and remember to hydrate.

Will virtual runners be allowed to participate in the in-person race?
No. If you would like to transfer to in-person, please email Michelle Artis at martis@wheatonparks.org.

Virtual Race Timing
The virtual Reindeer Run is self-timed. To have your time included in the race results, runners/walkers must submit their results by the end of the day on 12/18/2021.

Recording/Posting Race Results
Race results are recorded by the runner/walker directly on the registration website by logging in with the email address and password used for race registration. Participants can also email their time to martis@wheatonparks.org. If emailing your time, please be sure to include your name, bib number and time (hour, minutes, seconds).

Are there registration and entry fees?
Participants are encouraged to sign up at Runsignup.com. Virtual online registration ends Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 11:59P. Registration is $25 per virtual runner.

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 2) or on race day (December 4).

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 2 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 4 from 7:15-8:15A on the 2nd floor of the DuPage County Historical Museum (102 E. Wesley St.).

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.

Further Questions
For more information and further questions please contact Race Directors, Michelle Artis at martis@wheatonparks.org.