Super Santa Run attracts 700 people, raises $25K

The countdown to Christmas is on in Amherstburg with a pair of festive events last Saturday night. Roughly 700 participants took part in the Super Santa Run, Walk & Wheel (above) and that was followed by the official opening of the River Lights Winter Festival. The Santa Claus Parade is this coming Saturday (Nov. 22) at 6 p.m.

A record year for the Super Santa Run, Walk and Wheel has raised approximately $25,000 for local conservation projects.

The annual run last Saturday night, which immediately preceded the official launch of the River Lights Winter Festival, saw in the neighbourhood of 700 runners, walkers and those in wheelchairs participate. 

Runners head through Navy Yard Park last Saturday evening.

All proceeds from the non-competitive race went to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation, ERCA’s fundraising arm.

The bulk of the participants were decked out in Santa Claus suits as they made their way around downtown streets and in the King’s Navy Yard Park.

Molly Allaire, who helped organize the race along with Walkers and Runners Around the County of Essex (WRACE), said about 50 of the record number of runners and walkers registered shortly before the event began.

“Every year, it has been increasing,” said Allaire, who is also an Amherstburg councillor and ERCA chair. 

Allaire said the run, walk and wheel is drawing participants near and far, as people from not only Essex County and Windsor took part, but so did people from Michigan and from as far as Toronto.

“It’s so heartwarming because people say it’s part of their annual tradition,” said Allaire. “This is the kickoff of their holiday season.”

There were over 40 volunteers that assisted in putting the Saturday night race on, she stated, adding the organizers are thankful for them.

The participants head north on Dalhousie St. as part of the 5K route.

Allaire added she was also pleased to see so many people come out to support the conservation authority.

“It means a lot to us,” she said.

The race is part of the holiday kickoff in Amherstburg, and Allaire said it rivals Canada Day as her favourite day of the year.

Danielle Stuebing, director of communications and outreach with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), was happy to see so many people running, walking and wheeling in the streets of Amherstburg.

Participants cross the finish line Saturday night.

“It’s amazing,” said Stuebing. It’s our biggest Super Santa Run we’ve had to date,” said Stuebing. “It’s fantastic to see the support for the event.”

Stuebing added every dollar raised stays in the region to support local conservation efforts. She said it is a great event to have in conjunction with the Christmas tree lighting and River Lights kickoff.

Super Santa Run attracts 700 people - raises $25K

By Ron Giofu