Pickerington residents may be hoofing it with Rudolph and jogging with Jolly Old Saint Nick at
A pair of jolly elves cross the finish line at the 2014 Merry Mile.
the Merry Mile on Friday, Dec. 4.
The annual fun run, which began in 2012, started as a way to get people out and moving at a time of year when we usually do the opposite. It was also designed to bring residents out to enjoy the charm of the Olde Village during the holidays.
Over the years, the race has attracted as many as 200 people. Some runners are serious about winning one of the four age categories. Other participants are out to enjoy some fun with family and friends.
Many racers come costumed in hopes of winning the “best individual” or the “best group holiday” attire.
“It is the only race in town where you’ll see a person dressed as Santa running past a person dressed like Rudolph,” said Tammy Sawyer, executive assistant to Mayor Lee Gray. “It’s also held at night, so that’s different from most races.”
The race begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall and runs through the holiday lighted streets of the Olde Village before ending at the entrance of Victory Park.
Proceeds from the event – sponsored by the City of Pickerington, Reynoldsburg-Pickerington Rotary Club and the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association – benefit the PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington.
“Costumes are definitely encouraged,” said Sawyer. “It’s the Merry Mile, so dressing up adds to the merriment. We’ve had a lot of people dressed as Santa, elves, reindeers, Frosty the Snowman and even walking Christmas trees.”
The cost of the race is $10 per person or $30 for a family. T-shirts are included in the race fee. Registration can be done online or by stopping at the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department, located at 100 Lockville Rd.
“We hope people enjoy a fun night with friends and neighbors, that they participate in the Olde Village Holiday event and that they walk away in the holiday spirit – feeling more connected to their community,” Sawyer said.
Pickerington milers and residents can enjoy an old-fashioned holiday gathering in the Village on Friday, Dec. 4.
To add to the festivities, there will be carriage rides, strolling carolers, holiday gift ideas, free children’s activities and even a visit from Santa, all from 5-8:30 p.m. The lighting of Pickerington’s holiday tree will take place at 7 p.m.
The holiday events are sponsored by the Olde Pickerington Village Business Association and the City Parks and Recreation Department.
Residents can also warm the holiday heads, hands and spirits of children in need on Dec. 4 by decorating the Dorothy Steiger Memorial Mitten Tree in City Hall with mittens, gloves, hats and other warm gear. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 18.
Children can also still give Santa their holiday wish lists. The North Pole Express mailbox is in front of City Hall through Friday, Dec. 11.
Please provide Santa and his elves with the child’s name and a return address in the letter.
