Both runs are scheduled in the evening on paths lit by luminaries and lined with entertainment. All runners will receive long sleeve T-shirts, jingle bells and coupons from merchants on Main Street. Kids will receive antlers to wear on the romp.
The 5K run begins at 6:30 p.m. at Academy Street and Delaware Avenue. Runners will proceed south on Academy Street to the new James F. Hall Trail and return to Academy and Main Street for awards. Access to Academy Street will be restricted beginning at 4 p.m., Friday, because of the run.
The 1.5 mile Reindeer Romp begins at 6:31 p.m. at Old College. The rain date for both events is Saturday, Dec. 8, at the same times and locations. In case of inclement weather, call (302) 366-7147.
Participants may register online or print out a registration form by visiting the Special Olympics Delaware Web site at [www.sode.org]. Registration on the day of the race begins at 5 p.m. WVUD-91.3 FM will be giving away hot chocolate and playing music for the runners. Awards and prizes will be presented to overall male and female champions and various age-group winners.
Winterfest, slated for 6-9 p.m., Friday, features many family-oriented events, including roasting chestnuts, carriage rides, tree lighting, ice carving demonstrations, live musical performances and much more. Santa's arrival and the holiday tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. The Ancient Order Hibernians, Division 2-Newark, will be at the event collecting coats and nonperishable food items for local families and donations that will be distributed to support families of deployed troops.
The event is supported by the city of Newark and the UD community with various businesses, club, sororities and organizations volunteering for the event. For more information, call (302) 366-7060 or visit [http://newark.de.us/downtown/Events.htm].
The Reindeer Run is co-sponsored by Special Olympics Delaware and WVUD radio, UD's noncommercial educational radio station.
Article by Adam Thomas
