Great Santa Run in Las Vegas faces overseas competition

A little competition has gone a long way for the Great Santa Run.

In its eighth year, the annual charity event to benefit Opportunity Village has encouraged a friendly competition with cities around the globe to gather the most Santa Claus-dressed runners and walkers each year.

The competition?

According to Linda Smith, spokeswoman for Opportunity Village, Las Vegas' biggest opponents annually for the San-Tas trophy are Liverpool, England; Osaka, Japan; and Tasmania, Australia.

"I think it really cements the fact that Las Vegas is the most fabulous place in the world and Opportunity Village is an amazing organization," Smith said. "We found a way to challenge people around the world."

The trophy, a wooden carving of Santa Claus, is a symbol for the community and its participation in the charities and, according to Smith, is made from a tree found only in Tasmania.

When the Las Vegas team surrendered the San-Tas to Liverpool in 2010, it was determined to win the trophy back.

"They take great pride in the fact that we won it back," said Smith about Opportunity Village employees.

In fact, when the roughly 8,200 participants edged out Liverpool's numbers last year, the defeated team presented the San-Tas trophy to Opportunity Village during a news conference in Las Vegas.

This year, Opportunity Village believes the trophy is theirs. Smith expects more than 10,000 participants, including more than 100 international runners at Saturday's run.

Of those participants, at least 750 will be Nevada military men and women in Afghanistan who will be holding a run with the Las Vegas run, according to Crystal Kovac, Great Santa Run manager. However, military maneuvers will delay the troops' event until Dec. 15.

With increased interest from overseas, plans are in the works to expand military involvement.

"That's definitely going to be one of our new initiatives this year," Smith said. "Were going to grow that whole concept. We want to reach out to all branches of the military to take part of that."

While the competition between the cities boosts participation, all sides realize the heart of the Santa runs are the donations that benefit the charities.

Last year's Great Santa Run raised more than $400,000 for individuals with disabilities in Southern Nevada.

Organizers hope this year's run will raise more money, attract more participants and create more fun.

"You don't have to be an avid runner," Smith said. "It's about coming together as families for a cause. It's pride in your community, something the entire family can enjoy."

Opportunity Village is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those with intellectual disabilities. They help those with vocational training, employment and community integration.

Contact reporter Colton Lochhead at clochhead@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0264.