Santa and his elves may be jogging. Rudolph may be galloping. And Frosty the Snowman may be sliding. But no matter who shows up, everyone who participates in The Merry Mile on Friday, Dec. 13 is going to have a jolly good time.
“The purpose of The Merry Mile is to get people outside to exercise, in some form, while having fun with their family, friends and neighbors,” said Tammy Sawyer, executive assistant to Pickerington Mayor Lee Gray. “Having the event near Christmas just adds to the festive atmosphere.”
The Merry Mile made its mark in Pickerington last year as a result of the Mayor’s desire to encourage the community to get fit and have fun doing it.
Almost 200 racers, joggers, walkers, bikers and even young people on inline skates completed the 1-mile course last year.
The race begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, heads north on Lockville Road, turns right on Park Alley and turns left through the parking lot at 51 E. Columbus St., then heads south on Hill Road, east on Park Alley and south on Lockville Road before finishing at Victory Park.
This year, the city hopes twice as many adults and children turn out to jingle all the way.
While there is no fee to join in the fun, participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to donate to the PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington and to dress in their best holiday attire.
This year, prizes will be awarded for the best individual and best holiday dressed group that cross the finish line.
Each participant will receive jingle bells to tie to his or her shoes to make merry all the way.
After the race, festive frolickers will be treated to free live music, hot chocolate and doughnuts at Victory Park.
Even Jolly Old Saint Nick is planning on wishing season’s greetings to all who attend.
“Our hope for the future of this event is that it continues to grow, continues to inspire people to keep active during the coldest months of the year and keeps families coming to the Olde Village to experience something a little different during the busy holiday season,” said Sawyer.
So you better watch out. You better not pout or Santa, his elves and his reindeer may jingle past you on The Merry Mile.
