St. Joe Santa 5K Run/Walk Race on December 16

Sara Meyer poses for a photo with The Grinch after running in the inaugural event called the "Ho Ho Ho 5K" in 2018. Hundreds of Santas are expected at this year's race, bringing a sleigh-full of holiday cheer.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - Fire up the hot chocolate. Once again, it is that time of year for the cheery faces of Santas making their way through the streets of St. Joseph. Over 380 runners and walkers participated in last year's event, and this year's event could be even larger, with 161 runners already committed to participate on December 16.

There is still plenty of time for runners to sign up online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/IL/StJoseph/Santa5kRaces. Race registration closes on December 13 at 11:59 CST.

St. Joseph mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges
St. Joseph Mayor Tami Fruhling-Voges helps hand out medals and greets runners crossing the finish line at the Ho Ho Ho 5K in December of 2018. There were more than 300 participants and nearly that number in spectators, family members and well-wishers along the 5k course the first year.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

The event's race swag will include a Santa hat and beard, red long sleeved Santa race shirt, and a commemorative race medal for all participants.

After the race, this family-friendly event features a lot of warm smiles, good music, milk & cookies, and delicious hot chocolate. There will also be plenty of opportunities to have a picture or two with Santa & The Grinch at the annual community holiday event.

The St. Joe Santa 5k Run/Walk is a non-profit organization that organizes fun events to raise money for benefit local charities, while promoting health and fitness.

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1st annual Santa HO HO HO 5k Fun Run/Walk a success

On the way home from a marathon/half marathon race in Indianapolis, Max Painter and members of his running group lamented how the event was the last race they would run in 2018.

During the discussion fellow runner Brenda Hixon suggested the possibility of taking another road trip. Maybe to Chicago or running in Indy again at either city's Santa Hustle. The group of avid runner decided they would indeed run one more race before the end of the year.

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St. Joe Santa 5k is set for December 21

If you live in St. Joseph, don't be surprised if you wake up four days before Christmas and see hundreds of fit-looking Santas running through the village. No, these Kris Kringle knockoffs won't be looking for lost reindeer or handing out early holiday presents to those who've been extra nice this year. The red shirts will be running in the 2019 St. Joe Santa 5K run/walk on December 21.

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Third installment of holiday 5K held in St. Joseph goes virtual

While the Coronavirus pandemic has put the kibosh on a lot of events, it is not stopping Brenda Hixson from raising money for the St. Joseph Food Bank. The St. Joe Santa 5K will run on - online that is.

Proceeds from the race in past years was given to help support the local St. Joseph food bank pantry managed by the St. Joseph Methodist Church in partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

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Third installment of holiday 5K held in St. Joseph goes virtual

While the Coronavirus pandemic has put the kibosh on a lot of events, it is not stopping Brenda Hixson from raising money for the St. Joseph Food Bank. The St. Joe Santa 5K will run on - online that is.

Proceeds from the race in past years was given to help support the local St. Joseph food bank pantry managed by the St. Joseph Methodist Church in partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

The race was originally started as collaboration of efforts between Hixson and fellow runner Max Painter to host a local holiday race and raise money for local charities. The event this year will benefit the St. Joe Feed the Need program, which is managed by the First United Methodist Church through the Eastern Illinois Food Bank. Feed the Need provides free food each month to anyone in the community.

Runners start out on the St. Joe Santa 5K course
Runners start their run during the Ho Ho Ho 5k, now called the St. Joe VIRTUAL Santa 5k Run/Walk Race, in 2018. As with thousands of established running events around the country, this year's race will be hosted virtually. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

A virtual race may not be ideal without spectators to cheer you on and fellow runners to push you to a better time, but there is one big advantage to running a virtual race in central Illinois.

This year's race directors point out the big draw to participating this year is that you can run when you want the whole month of December. "You can wait for a day when the weather is favorable!" which makes this option awesome so ensure you are not running on what could be the coldest day of the month.

The directors also hope runners will "get your family or group of friends together and have a fun run with photos along the way!"

The best part is racers will still receive the best holiday race swag of the season. This year's swag bag includes a Santa hat, Santa neck gaiter, a red long-sleeve Santa shirt and a race medal.

Runners can choose their route and take to the streets in their neighborhood, at their favorite park, or at any safe location of their choosing to run/walk/jog to start and finish their course during the month of December.

"You can chose to run anywhere!" said Hixson, who is once again one of the race directors. "Run in Mahomet; on a trail at Allerton or Meadowbrook; in Champaign; in St. Joe or wherever you chose. We want to see [runners in] every town in their Santa race swag all month long!"

She added: "Post your pictures!"

Race registration is now open online at St. Joe Santa 5K. Once registered, race swag can picked up in person or ordered via mail.

If you are interested in being a sponsor for the event and want to help support a wonderful program in the community, business owners or individuals are asked to contact the race directors at 5ksantarun@gmail.com.

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Plan in place if Mother Nature dampens county 4th of July celebration

Terry Hill runs in the 2008 Freedom 5K.
On sunny, picture perfect day, Terry Hill of St. Joseph, IL, makes the final turn toward the finish line at the Freedom 5K race in 2008. The annual Fourth of July event drew 525 runners and walkers to its' 15th installment. Hill finished 21st in the Mens 40-44 division with a time of 26:58.8. In case the weather for this year's Champaign County Freedom Celebration turns less than favorable, organizers have a well-thought out plan to allow area residents to celebrate our nation's independence this week. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
With scattered thunderstorms in the forecast for the Fourth of July, the Champaign County Freedom Celebration posted its Inclement Weather Policy on Facebook. Here is what you need to know if you plan to participate in the 5K walk/run, take in the annual parade or view the evening's exciting fireworks display.

With rain chances at 40%, the event organizers are plans in place for the parade, the evening show and fireworks run as close as it can to the schedule on the Freedom Celebration website. Revelers are encourage to check the site should weather conditions warrant possible changes to start times.

Should weather conditions force the parade to be canceled, it will not be reschedule for another date.

Depending on the timing of any precipitation moving into the area or wind conditions on Thursday, the Board of Directors and Committee consider all the factors that best serves the public and safety protocols and make a decision as when start the fireworks show. The performance may start earlier than scheduled. If the fireworks show is cancelled, it will be held on the following Saturday, July 6.

If weather conditions are favorable, the fireworks show provided by Melrose Pyrotechnics will begin at dusk, approximately 9:15pm.

Visit the CCFC website at https://www.july4th.net for the latest schedule updates and event information.

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