Santa Run gets Southern exposure

"Bubba Claus" will be the honorary starter this year for a fun run planned for opening festivities of Columbia County's Christmas tree lighting.

Santa Claus' brother - who hails from the South Pole - will be portrayed by Columbia County Recreation Director Charlie Beale, who came up with the idea of a fun run to open the Dec. 6 tree-lighting ceremony.

Sign-ups for the road and cross-country Santa Run for participants ages 14 and older, and the Elf Run for runners ages 13 and younger, will begin at 3 p.m.

Participants must wear at least a Santa-type hat or similar Christmas clothing, with preferential starting positions for runners wearing Santa or elf costumes.

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The first 25 participants to sign up receive a commemorative T-shirt. Winners in the Santa and elf categories receive trophies and prizes. Registration is $10, with a $5 discount for participants who donate a new, unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more.

The toys and other donations from the run will be donated to the Columbia County Foundation for Children. For more information, contact Charlie Beale or Beth Roberson at 868-3458.