Our Story
2017 - How it started
Mary Beth and Lori met while pushing their babies in strollers on Irwin Way as part of the Boulder Creek Walking Moms Group. Their friendship grew and they became workout partners, participating in 5ks, mud runs and obstacle courses. On the fateful morning of December 24, 2017, they decided to go on a run through downtown Boulder Creek in holiday costumes. They put out a call out on Facebook for friends to join and Cassie dressed up and came along for what turned out to be the first Annual Reindeer Run. That year's course was from the Boulder Creek Library, up and down Debby Lane, West Park, and on Highway 9. They had so much fun that they agreed it would be an annual event.
2018
In 2018, for the 2nd Annual Reindeer Run, the word spread and there were 18 costumed participants, including children and babies in strollers. Runners received chocolate kisses.
2019
Mary Beth and Lori decided they wanted the event to be bigger to spread the joy of Christmas and the fun of this event. They reached out to BCRPD and created a partnership with donations from the run benefitting BCRPD programs and the Boulder Creek community. Hallie, the District Manager of the BCRPD, thought it was a great idea and was immediately onboard. The starting line from the Library to the parking lot of the downtown BC Rec Center. BCRPD marketed the event and there were over 78 participants. The course at this time went down 9, up into the neighborhood by BCE, down Forest to Irwin Way, making this the first time we used Camp Joy as the turn around spot. There was an after party at the Rec Center with treats for all and jingle bells as the swag. The run raised over $500 in donations for the BCRPD.
2020
2020 was a brutal year for SLV and beyond, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the CZU Fire destruction in Boulder Creek and other parts of SLV. Nevertheless, Lori, Mary Beth, and Hallie knew that the run must go on! They figured out how to have an event that was safe while bringing much needed joy to the community and money for BCRPD.
They created a run schedule with 10 start times over 5 days (Dec. 23-27) and a limit of 30 people assigned to each heat. The registration table was outside of the Treehouse Cafe and for the first time, there was a registration fee and swag for all participants (Christmas-themed buffs and face masks in keeping with the pandemic fashion trends). That year we saw some of the most memorable costumes to date, including two T-Rexes who created quite a stir as they rambled down Highway 9. The Reindeer Run was the only fundraising event for BCRPD since programs and other events were canceled or significantly curtailed due to pandemic restrictions.
2021
The starting and finish lines moved to Junction Park for the 2021 event. We also introduced heats with different start times. There were 3 heats Runners, Joggers, and Walkers. Some participants brought dogs in costume and there were a few groups and families that had coordinated costumes. We estimated that 125 people participated that year. In 2021, everyone received a t-shirt as swag.
2022
The 6th Annual Reindeer Run in 2022 held costume contests and welcomed animals. There were over 200 participants, 20 dogs, 2 donkeys, 1 cat (in a stroller), and one human-sized chicken (yes, it was a costume!). Treehouse Cafe sponsored the event and gave out free drinks coupons to all human participants. There was a post-event survey sent, and most of the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One critical point made was increasing safety along the route.
2023
In 2023, the 7th Annual Reindeer Run exceeded expectations. With the help of a planning committee of more than 3 people, the event was a huge success. There was more advertising, sponsors, and new swag. One participant pushed their partner in a wheelchair for the course, and we realized the importance of improving accessibility, so that everyone who wants to can participate. There ended up being over 400 registrants and over 450 participants (Children under 12 were free). Hallie informed Lori, Mary Beth and the planning committee that the Reindeer Run had become the most profitable fundraiser for BCRPD - over $5,000 were made in profits.
THANK YOU!
There have been so many people who have made the Reindeer Run a success!
Mary Beth and Lori would like to thank Cassie for being brave enough to be the first participant, friends and family who decided to join in the silliness of this event, and Hallie for supporting us and letting the event benefit BCRPD and the whole community. A special thanks goes to Sean McLean Photography, who has documented the event since 2019 in photographs. They are so thankful and grateful for all volunteers and planning committee members who have helped the event grow and prosper.
A special thanks for all of our business sponsors - past & present
2020-The Tree House Cafe
2021-The Tree House Cafe
2022-The Tree House Cafe and KBCZ
2023-The Tree House Cafe, Present-Adventure Gift Store, Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub, Elemental, and Wild Roots Market.
2024-Bay Federal Credit Union, The Tree House Cafe, Sean McLean Photography, Anahata Yoga, Elemental, Good Times, Liberty Bank N.A., and the Press Banner.
Finally, this event would never have occurred without the runners, participants, and community involvement.
So many people have said they look forward to the event every year. It has become a tradition for many families and friend groups.
Thank you to all who have participated and joined in the fun. We look forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve!
