Veteran tri-athlete and runner Mike Morris says in part one of the reasons he started the free Christmas Eve Fun Run from Vic Thomas Park (on the Greenway) a few years ago, was to thank the support people that hand out water and other goodies as athletes – or weekend warriors – come trudging by. “I really kind of owe something back.” There’s also cider and water for participants. Nothing is timed – it’s all about having fun and sharing a little holiday cheer.
There is no charge for the December 24 noon run fun/walk from Vic Thomas Park – which comes complete with cookies that Morris has baked for as many as the several hundred that have shown up in the past. Only 40 or so made it a few years ago, he notes due to bad weather …about 150 took part in 2013. “Everyone is in such a good mood,” notes Morris, “its such a nice day – Christmas shopping is done – all the pressure is done.”
There are one-mile and three-mile options for runners or walkers; Morris says you can even just come down and have a cookie if you want. People show up “taking happy pills,” perhaps relieved that thei Christmas shopping is done (or should be), ready to work off a little steam. “It’s a wonderful time of year, kids are off from school,” said Morris, who has also incorporated a 3/8 mile fun run for wee runners. Those youngsters get finisher medals and goodie bags “to promote fitness for kids. Get them started early – make it fun.”
The Star City Striders help Morris set up the Christmas Eve Fun Run/Walk every year. “I bake the cookies [usually] for about 200. That kind of killed me the year we had 40 – I took them to the Rescue Mission. Now I’m getting a little smarter. I’m waiting to see the weather forecast.”
By Gene Marrano