More than 8,000 have a jolly old time during Great Santa Run — PHOTOS
San Diego resident Phyl Hernandez landed in Las Vegas just hours before Opportunity Village's 11th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run began Saturday morning.
Hernandez, who ran in the event for the first time, is in the midst of training for her first marathon later this month in Honolulu.
"I'm not a natural-born runner so it's been really tough," she said. "My sister and my sweetheart passed away so I'm running for them."
Hernandez said she's participated in Santa-themed runs in San Diego and enjoys the atmosphere.
"They're great because everyone comes out dressed up and has a ton of fun," she said. "I participate because not everyone can, and I needed to stop wasting this gift."
More than 8,000 runners and walkers attired in Santa gear participated in this year's race through parts of downtown Las Vegas. A third of the participants in each year's race travel to Las Vegas for the event, said Linda Smith, senior executive vice president at Opportunity Village, which provides programs and services to men and women with all levels of disabilities.
"It's a great reason to come to Las Vegas," she said. "I've seen it evolve, and it's become a tradition for a lot of people and families."
According to Smith, the event will generate nearly a half-million dollars for the organization.
"We're able to continue to provide programs for the 2,000 people in our employment training center," she said. "I hope in the future it becomes a million-dollar event."
A jolly atmosphere prevailed at the pre-run festivities, which featured performances from the Jersey Boys cast and Jabbawockeez, among others.
The 5K race and mile walk began at Las Vegas Boulevard and Carson Avenue before finishing on Ogden Avenue between Third and Fourth streets.
Joanne Edling signed up for her first Las Vegas Great Santa Run on behalf of Sands Cares, the Las Vegas Sands Corp. philanthropic citizenship program.
"Whenever we can come out and volunteer, we're the first ones there," she said. "It's a great opportunity to be with my co-workers and have fun."
Edling walked alongside her pug, Buddy, who donned an "Elf in training" T-shirt and cap.
She rescued Buddy following the January 2014 fire at the Prince and Princess Pet Boutique where the owner, Gloria Lee, was convicted of setting fire to the shop with 27 dogs inside. In February, Lee was ordered to serve five to 14 years in prison.
The county took the 27 dogs, and the Animal Foundation hosted the Arson Puppy Adoption Drawing, which sold $250 raffle tickets.
"No one bid on him so I did," Edling said.
For Chris Snow of Las Vegas, his ties to Opportunity Village will continue long after he crosses the finish line.
He's volunteered with the organization since the mid-1990s and has worked as a train engineer for the past three years at Magical Forest, Opportunity Village's winter wonderland, which boasts rides, games and holiday attractions until Jan. 3 at 6300 W. Oakley Blvd.
"It's a great cause, and it's amazing what they do for their clients," Snow said.
Snow believes the Las Vegas Great Santa Run will continue to show visitors a different side of Sin City.
"I hope it will help people understand that Las Vegas is more than a gambling and entertainment mecca," he said. "There are great organizations in town, and I hope it keeps growing."
Contact reporter Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Follow @AnnFriedmanRJ on Twitter.
