To Las Vegas, Nevada
There were 5,000 of them. All dressed in red coats and white beards. These Santas gathered at the beginning of December on the Las Vegas Strip to celebrate the 20th edition of the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. A true tradition in the city of gambling and in the rest of the United States. “We have registered participants from all over the United States, who come to Las Vegas specifically for this event or who, if they are already in town, add it to their program,” Laura Foster, director of Opportunity Village communications.
Organized each year by this non-profit association, the race raises funds for people who suffer from physical, physiological or mental disabilities. And, this year, the fundraising goal set at $15,000 was exceeded, with a total of $16,596.92.
Daniel, Santa running for the 10th year
Among the generous registrants, Daniel Dudas, 34 years old. “I come every year to see my friends and colleagues,” confided to Las Vegas Review Journal the one who participated for the tenth time. At his side, his mother, Dawn Dudas, 67, for whom it was a first: “I have never done this before. But it’s for a good cause. » Not wrong: thanks to the funds, Opportunity Village can “find, for example, jobs, such as cleaning cars at car dealerships” for the beneficiaries of the association. “These jobs really touch on everything,” says Laura Foster.
Daniel and Dawn, like all the other 5,000 participants, had the choice this year between two courses: a five-kilometer run or a one-mile (1.6 kilometer) walk. Forgoing registration fees ranging from $25 to $55, runners received a complete Santa costume, including a red coat, matching pants, hat, beard and bag. But we were also able to come across reindeer, elves, and even a few Grinchs.
“This event makes people happy”
“Our team works all year round to make this event a success. It’s a big undertaking that involves many people, says Laura Foster. It’s really gratifying to see how happy this event makes people and to see that it has become a tradition here. » His words were widely shared by participants like Rodney Yates, who came from Carmichael, California. “Thank you for this awesome event! It was so much fun and for a good cause! It was our first time, but certainly not the last,” he wrote on social media. “I had known about the race for many years, but I had never been able to participate in it. I brought my family and friends, and we had a great time,” says Las Vegas resident Ann McDowell.
Cheered by the crowd as they crossed the finish line, the 2024 Santas helped perpetuate an event that embodies the spirit of Christmas, dear to Americans. “End of year celebrations are our specialty at Opportunity Village. We also have another fundraiser, the Magical Forest, a Christmas theme park filled with lights and attractions. A Santa-themed race is a fun way to raise money for the association,” she says.