Joggers To Run Grinches Out Of San Jose Sunday

SAN JOSE, CA -- It's time to combine the "Ho, Ho, Ho" with the gentle hum of controlled breathing and the smack of running shoes on the pavement for the Google Santa Run Silicon Valley.

More than 4,000 revelers will line up at 225 W. Santa Clara St. for the 7th Annual Santa Run 5K this Sunday dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves or whatever strikes their fancy.

The “Grinch,” which is Santa Clara County Tax Assessor Larry Stone, will lead runners, joggers, and walkers on a merry little chase weaving through downtown San Jose before finishing at Christmas in the Park. That's where you'll find the naughty and nice are serving cookies and milk under a quasi "blizzard" before receiving a finisher medal and a race t-shirt at South Market Street next to the Tech Museum of Innovation.

Race participants are encouraged to dress in character as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, reindeer, elves, dreidel, menorah, ornaments, trees and candlesticks and participate in the costume contest before the race in front of Umpqua Bank on Santa Clara Street. Categories include Best Sleigh, Best Group Costume and, of course, Best Santa. This 5K Run/Walk is a fun and festive event. There's also a Kids Reindeer Dash (ages 2-7) for the little tykes. Register today at SantaRunSV.com.

The Santa Run was founded and directed by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, with all the run’s profits donated to three local non-profits: Christmas in the Park, Downtown Ice, and Reading Partners. Since 2012, the efforts have raised $475,000, along with collecting 3 ,500 children’s books for Reading Partners.

--Image courtesy of Silicon Valley Leadership Group