Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Head on out to the 12 K’s of Christmas! Whether you want to run, adopt a pet, or just get into the holiday spirit, Freestone Park is the place to be this Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm. Central to the 12k’s of Christmas® is a 12k run with Christmas Carolers at every “k”. In addition, there is a 6k run/walk and a 1.2k “Santa Sled Run” (run/walk) for children and families. Leashed pets are welcome. Entry fees are just $30 per person for the 12k and 6k, or $30 for a team of 4 in the 1.2k (or $10 for an individual).
Every participant receives a Santa Hat and many dress up in Christmas costumes, competing for prizes like the Best Christmas-themed Running Outfit, the Most Christmas Spirit, Best Decorated Entry, and Best Dressed Pet! There are also awards & photos with Santa for the top finishers in each age category and collectible finisher’s pins. Participants should sign up early – the first 1200 to register will also receive 12k’s of Christmas® logo’d socks.
Entertaining you along the route are carolers and musical groups cheering and performing Christmas music - school children, girl scouts, performing arts schools, and musical groups. Beginning at 8 am, there will also be performers on the San Tan Ford Reindeer Stage throughout the day.
A Christmas Bazaar will feature a variety of Christmas gift items. You never know what you might find... handmade sleighs, Christmas wreaths, hand-painted Christmas ornaments and unique gift items for both people and pets!
If you love animals, plan a visit to Santa’s Pet Village presented by Purina – the largest pet adoption event of the season. Over 40 valley rescue groups will have hundreds of animals - cats, dogs and rabbits – all looking for a loving home this Christmas.
If your pet needs their regular shots or a micro-chip, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control will be offering discounts at the event - $20 rabies vaccinations, $23 4-1 vaccine, $27 3-1 cat vaccine and $25 micro-chips.
The12k’s of Christmas® raises money for Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) and Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911). Along with providing a venue for pet adoptions, the event has directly raised over $14,000 over the past 2 years to help the animals.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please call (480) 609 3978 or see www.12krun.com.
12K’s of Christmas® presented by Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
“Celebrate Christmas and Give yourself the Gift of Health”
Saturday December 10th - 8 am to 1 pm
Freestone District Park, 1045 E. Juniper Road, Gilbert AZ 85233
Santa’s Pet Village and Christmas Bazaar open 8 am to 1 pm
On-site race registration 8 am; 1.2k begins at 9:12; 6k begins at 10:06; 12k begins at 10:12
Entry fee: $30 per person in the 12k/6k; $30 for a 1.2k team of 4 ($10 per individual)
Pre-register on-line at www.12krun.com or at Active.com