FAQ
What is the Lions Club Reindeer Run?
The 13th annual Lions Charities Reindeer Run is a holiday run/walk 5K open for all ages held on Saturday, December 7 at 8:30A.
Who does this race benefit?
Wheaton Lions Club Charities is proud to support programs that serve the visual and hearing impaired but also supports other local social service agencies. A portion of the proceeds from the 2024 Reindeer Run will be donated to such causes as the DuPage County Historical Museum. Additional donations are always welcome!
Are there registration and entry fees?
- Early Bird Registration is $35.00 through November 6
- Registration is $40.00 from November 7 through December 6
- Registration is $45.00 on Race Day, December 7
Entry fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Are there any race bundles?
The Race Wheaton race bundle is available through June 1. Challenge yourself to run throughout 2024! Start off with the Superhero Fun Run in April, tackle the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals in June, and finish strong with the festive Reindeer Run in December.
What shirt sizes will be available for runners?
Youth and adult sizes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Shirts will be given out at packet pick-up (December 5) or on race day (December 7).
Are kids allowed to participate?
Yes! This race is open to all ages.
When is packet pick-up?
- Thursday, December 5 between 10A - 7P at Wheaton Park District Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard St.)
- Saturday, December 7 between 7:30 - 8:15A at the DuPage Historical Museum, Second Floor (102 E. Wesley St.)
What should I wear?
Participants are encouraged to dress in comfortable, warm clothes and OF COURSE bring some holiday cheer! What says holidays more than Santa, Mrs. Claus, Reindeers, and Elves!?! We encourage everyone to dress up in their favorite holiday costume! All runners receive reindeer antlers and a long-sleeve commemorative tech shirt.
Where is the route?
The race begins on Main Street, just north of Wesley Street and will finish on Wesley Street, just east of Main Street.
Are strollers/wheelchairs allowed?
Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed but will be asked to line up in the last wave of the race start. Participant safety is of the utmost importance, therefore, bicycles, in-line skates, and other wheeled vehicles (except wheelchairs) are not allowed. Any person riding in a stroller must remain in the stroller for the duration of the race.
Can my pet participate?
Pets are NOT permitted in this race. This is for the safety of your pet. Service animals must be approved by the race director ONE WEEK prior to race day.
Will there be restrooms?
Portable restrooms are located on Wesley Street, across from DuPage County Historical Museum.
Where can we park?
Recommended parking at the parking garage just west of the Wesley and Hale intersection. The Wheaton Library has requested runners do not use their lot for parking based on the volume of visitors on Saturday mornings.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Every participant will be required to sign a waiver when registering online. For those under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver. Racers are not able to participate without a signed waiver.
Where should I go for safety/first aid?
First aid stations and medical personnel will be available to all runners if required. Stations are located at the finish line and the water station.
What if there’s inclement weather?
This race will happen rain or shine! The run committee will continue to monitor the weather and follow the proper protocol in place regarding inclement weather including but not limited to thunderstorms, tornadoes and heat. The run committee holds the right to cancel, alter or postpone the event due to inclement weather.
Where can I find my race results? Will there be awards?
Runners can find their time by scanning the QR code on their race bib and at a kiosk on-site. The awards ceremony will follow shortly after the runners have finished. Awards will be given to the overall male and female finishers (chip time) as well as the top three finishers in each male and female age category (chip time). After the run, results can be viewed on www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/reindeerrun.
How is my time being collected? Is there a cut-off time?
Each bib is tagged with a timing chip. Please do not remove the chip from the bib. Bibs MUST be displayed at torso height on the front and be visible at all times during the race. Age category awards are determined based on chip time.
Will there be any post-race activities?
Stick around for photos, music, and post-race refreshments, including hot chocolate, near the finish line in Adams Park.
Not a walker or runner? VOLUNTEER!
Volunteers are essential to the success of the race so THANK YOU! Please click the VOLUNTEER tab at the top of the page or contact the Race Director at events@wheatonparks.org.
Further Questions
For more information and further questions; please contact the Race Director at events@wheatonparks.org.
Awards for Reindeer Run:
Overall Male | Chip Time
Overall Female | Chip Time
Top 3 finishers in each age category (chip time):
Male | 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & up
Female | 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & up
Medals will be awarded following the race.
VIRTUAL RACE FAQ
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is self-timed and can be completed by participants on their favorite outdoor run/walk route or on a treadmill. There is no official race route or start time.
Is there a virtual race course?
There is no official race course. Runners/walkers may select their own 5K routes or may complete their registered distance on a treadmill.
Will virtual runners be allowed to participate in the in-person race?
No. If you would like to transfer to in-person, please email the Race Director at events@wheatonparks.org.
Can I pick up my shirt at packet pick-up?
Yes! Virtual runners are able and encouraged to pick up their shirt and antlers at packet pick-up. Packet pick-up will be Thursday, December 5 between 10A-7P at Wheaton Park District Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard St.). If you cannot make the pre-race packet pick-up, racers may pick up their packets on Saturday, December 7 from 7:30 - 8:15A on the 2nd floor of the DuPage County Historical Museum.
Virtual Race Timing
The virtual Reindeer Run is self-timed. To have your time included in the race results, runners/walkers must submit their results by the end of the day on December 16.
Recording/Posting Race Results
Race results are recorded by the runner/walker directly on the registration website by logging in with the email address and password used for race registration. Participants can also email their time to events@wheatonparks.org. If emailing your time, please be sure to include your name, bib number and time (hour, minutes, seconds).
Further Questions
For more information and further questions please contact the Race Director at events@wheatonparks.org.
