Run, run Rudolph! Catskill's Run for a Claus returns for 13th year

CATSKILL— Lace up those sneakers, dust off your Santa hats and get ready to dash through the streets of Catskill for a claus worth celebrating!

The Catskill Teachers Association (CTA) is making spirits bright once again with its 13th annual 5K Run/Walk for a Claus and 3rd annual Kids’ Elf Run on Saturday, December 5.

Whether you're as speedy as Dasher, prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace or simply want to spread a little holiday cheer, this festive tradition is open to all.

Over the past 12 years, the CTA has sleighed its fundraising goals, donating more than $60,000 to food pantries throughout the Catskill community, along with hundreds of toys and new hats, socks and underwear for local families.

“Last year we raised $6,900 and donated to Catskill Food Pantry, God’s Storehouse and Matthew 25,” said kindergarten teacher Amy Bulich, one of the event's organizers.

This year, organizers are hoping the community will once again answer the jingle bell call, whether by running, walking, sponsoring or donating.

And the littlest elves won't be left out of the festivities.

“We will be providing babysitting with activities during the 5K. We are looking forward to seeing the kids come out and run the Elf Run this year as well,” Bulich said.

The Kids’ Elf Run, open to children ages 4 to 12, kicks off at 10 a.m., with registration from 9:30 to 9:50 a.m. The race begins and ends at Catskill High School. Registration is $15, with the price increasing after November 4. Registration information can be found here.

For those ready to dash like Donner and Blitzen, the main 5K Run/Walk for a Claus gets underway at 10:30 a.m., with registration from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. The race starts at Catskill High School. The cost is $21 for adults and $16 for participants ages 18 and under. Registration information can be found here.

And the holiday giving doesn't stop at the finish line.

“At the run, we will also be accepting donations of adult and children sized socks and underwear which we keep in our Cat’s Care Rooms at the high school and elementary school to support our families,” Bulich said.

While donations are not required to participate, they are appreciated.

The CTA is also seeking sponsors to help keep this merriment going strong. Those interested can email runforaclaus@catskillcsd.org.

You don't need a sleigh, eight tiny reindeer or even Rudolph's glowing red nose to make a difference this December. Just a pair of sneakers, a little holiday spirit and a willingness to go the extra mile.