BY NICOLE DUCOUER
I absolutely love the holidays, and our family has great traditions like baking cookies and decorating the tree. But, with a young child and both my husband and me in busy jobs, things also can get a bit hectic, and I find myself thrown off my regular fitness and healthy living routines. Fortunately, we’re adding a new holiday tradition this year, called “Santa’s Showdown,” a family-friendly, 2.5-mile race on Sunday, December 9th, in downtown Lewisville, just before the start of the popular Lewisville Christmas Parade.
My four-year-old son, Caden, is excited to show off his “super-fast” speed and my husband and I are happy to have a fitness goal for the entire family that incorporates a fun, holiday theme. For those of you whose families love a challenge, this race also includes a unique competition that may rival Dirty Santa gift exchanges.
Here’s what you need to know to get started….
The Race: “Santa’s Showdown”
Santa’s Showdown is the perfect distance for my family—just long enough to be a challenge, but short and flat enough for everyone, especially if you’re using a jogging stroller. The race follows the parade route, so you can count on plenty of cheering crowds already lining the street to keep your spirits high.
As part of race registration, each runner will be randomly assigned to one of two “teams”—the Elves and the Reindeer. When you pick up your packet, you’ll receive a holiday-themed, elf or reindeer headband and a specially designed T-shirt for your “team” to be worn on race day. Race organizers are encouraging all participants to get festive with their running attire, so I may add on some jingle bells or antler headgear. Adding to the fun will be the cheering crowds that always gather along the parade route.
Start Your Holiday Fitness Tradition
The timing of Santa’s Showdown is the perfect motivation to eat healthily and get in shape amid the holiday celebrations. I’m also planning to organize a few family-focused walks or runs in the weeks leading up to the race. It’s the perfect opportunity for active family time.
Although I will confess to being a big fan of the New Year’s resolutions, the Showdown is going to jumpstart my fitness routine a few weeks early, so that’s another plus. I’d love to be more active heading into the holidays than feeling like I’m “playing catch up” in January.
Running Helps Our Community
Santa’s Showdown is not just a fun event for the whole family; it also is making a big difference in our community. Race proceeds will benefit the Lewisville Civic Club and the nonprofit organization I now work for, Winston-Salem-based IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the country.
In addition to creating jobs, IFB provides valuable services to adults and children in our community who are blind or visually impaired through its job training initiatives, Community Low Vision Center, and SEE after-school programs and summer camps for children. I would love to give you a tour of our incredible campus here in Winston-Salem. Simply e-mail me at tours@ifbsolutions.org. You can also follow our story on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website at www.ifbsolutions.org.
Event Details:
“Santa’s Showdown”
Distance: 2.5-miles
Date: Sunday, December 9th
Time: 2:45 p.m.
Location: Downtown Lewisville. Runners are invited to stay for the popular Lewisville Holiday Parade, which begins immediately following the race.
Race registration is now open at www.ifbshowdownrace.com.
** Please note you must register in advance; there is no same-day race registration.
Packet pick-up will be held at the Lowes Foods in Lewisville, 177 Lowes Food Drive, Lewisville, NC 27023.
Bring your cameras and take pics! Share them on Facebook and Twitter using #Santas2018Showdown and join the fun!
