Santa Run a true Las Vegas experience, good fundraiser

Considering that he's chubby and plump and that his little round belly, when he laughs, shakes like a bowl full of jelly, we're guessing the real Santa Claus wouldn't be up for a 5K run. But in true Las Vegas fashion he has plenty of impersonators, and thousands of them are expected to run through Town Square during The Las Vegas Great Santa Run on Saturday.

How Las Vegas is this event? If the running impersonators and the name of the event itself aren't enough for you, consider that, in the fine tradition of the Flying Elvi, five Santa Claus impersonators will parachute into Town Square to kick things off. Mirage headliner Terry Fator will serve as grand marshal and entertainment will be provided by Zowie Bowie, Recycled Percussion, a magician, a DJ and others.

But the Santas will, of course, be the main event. This is the seventh edition of the annual run, which has become one of the major fundraisers of the year for Opportunity Village, a nonprofit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities.

The first year, about 1,200 Santas made the run. Last year's run drew 8,000, and Crystal Kovacs, special events and fundraising manager for Opportunity Village, expects as many as 10,000 this year, with "fingers and toes crossed."

"We're expecting a really phenomenal turnout," Kovacs said. "We're already ahead of where we were this time last year."

The run will be an effort to qualify for Guinness World Records.

"Last year we were beat by Liverpool by just a couple of hundred Santas," Kovacs said.

If you don't want to run, there's also the 1-mile Kris Kringle Jingle walk. Those who do make the 5-K run will leave Town Square and head for the new Sunset Bridge, which offers a view of the Strip, before returning to the launch site.

There will be a few new additions this year, such as a free beer-tasting by the Nevada Brewers Guild. There also will be face-painters for kids, balloon artists, costumed characters and other activities.

Advance entry fees are $35 for adults, $25 for kids ages 2-12. On race day that goes up to $45 for adults, $35 for kids. That provides a five-piece Santa suit, some gifts and, of course, a charitable donation.

"It helps to raise funds for Opportunity Village and people with disabilities in our community," Kovacs said. Several programs, job placement and art enrichment at the three campuses serve 1,700 people with disabilities.

And there's another factor.

"It is a ton of fun," Kovacs said, "just the element of seeing thousands of Santas right before your eyes. For some people, it kicks off their holiday season. There's a ton of stuff to do for adults and kids."

Contact reporter Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@review journal.com or 702-383-0474.