The Story Behind The Santa Run by Maria Brezny
2024 marks the 11th year of the Santa Run and a new location for the annual 5K fun run. The original founders of the Santa Run, Judge Dave Reich and his wife Ann, are retiring and passing the torch to the Mandan Progress Organization. The Santa Run will now start and end at Dykshoorn Park on Main Street, Mandan and be incorporated into the Mandan Progress Organization’s Mandan Holiday Lights on Main event. Matt Schanandore, the executive director of the MPO, is excited to bring a fresh and festive atmosphere to the race thanks to the bright backdrop of the Mandan Holiday Lights.
While the location is changing, the heart and spirit of the Santa Run will remain the same. “Participants will still don their Santa suits, run through a festive course, and celebrate the holiday season while supporting addiction recovery programs. The mission of raising awareness for addiction and recovery continues to be the main focus of the event, just as it has been for the past decade. The joy, community spirit, and focus on recovery will always be at the core of the Santa Run, regardless of where it takes place,” says Matt.
The Santa Run was first started by Judge Dave Reich and his wife Ann who wanted to spread holiday cheer and bring awareness to the important but difficult topic of addiction recovery. “People liked it so much that we kept doing it, and it kept building every year. We tried to make it a meaningful and fun community event,” says Dave. Having a light-hearted event where participants dress up in Santa suits sends a message of hope to anyone still dealing with addiction and celebrates the stories of success. To continue the event’s legacy of raising awareness and supporting those on the path to recovery, proceeds from the run will benefit Home Place and local addiction recovery programs.
Dave and his wife Ann feel like Matt and the MPO are the perfect people to take over their Santa Run. “We’ve known Matt Schanandore for a few years,” says Dave. “He and the Mandan Progress Organization are doing wonderful things in Mandan. They have the Holiday Lights event, and they’re keeping our event for a good cause, so I don’t think we could have found a better fit to transition the run.”
Matt says that he and the MPO feel honored to take over such an important event. “The Santa Run has been such a meaningful part of our Bismarck-Mandan community, thanks to the dedication of Judge Dave Reich and his wife Ann,” says Matt. “It’s a privilege to continue their work and grow the experience by hosting it in Mandan. We understand the legacy this event carries, and we’re committed to maintaining its positive impact while adding our own Mandan flair. We’re excited to continue this tradition and make the 2024 Santa Run a memorable and impactful event for years to come.”
The fun run will feature hot chocolate and holiday treats, music, and festive views as runners enjoy views of the Mandan Holiday Lights. Santa Suits are provided to runners 13+ as a part of their registration packet.
Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate. Registration is now open. If you register before the end of the month, tickets are $35. After and until race day, ticket price will increase to $50. The race will take place Saturday, December 14th at 4 pm.
While the location is changing, the heart and spirit of the Santa Run will remain the same. “Participants will still don their Santa suits, run through a festive course, and celebrate the holiday season while supporting addiction recovery programs. The mission of raising awareness for addiction and recovery continues to be the main focus of the event, just as it has been for the past decade. The joy, community spirit, and focus on recovery will always be at the core of the Santa Run, regardless of where it takes place,” says Matt.
The Santa Run was first started by Judge Dave Reich and his wife Ann who wanted to spread holiday cheer and bring awareness to the important but difficult topic of addiction recovery. “People liked it so much that we kept doing it, and it kept building every year. We tried to make it a meaningful and fun community event,” says Dave. Having a light-hearted event where participants dress up in Santa suits sends a message of hope to anyone still dealing with addiction and celebrates the stories of success. To continue the event’s legacy of raising awareness and supporting those on the path to recovery, proceeds from the run will benefit Home Place and local addiction recovery programs.
Dave and his wife Ann feel like Matt and the MPO are the perfect people to take over their Santa Run. “We’ve known Matt Schanandore for a few years,” says Dave. “He and the Mandan Progress Organization are doing wonderful things in Mandan. They have the Holiday Lights event, and they’re keeping our event for a good cause, so I don’t think we could have found a better fit to transition the run.”
Matt says that he and the MPO feel honored to take over such an important event. “The Santa Run has been such a meaningful part of our Bismarck-Mandan community, thanks to the dedication of Judge Dave Reich and his wife Ann,” says Matt. “It’s a privilege to continue their work and grow the experience by hosting it in Mandan. We understand the legacy this event carries, and we’re committed to maintaining its positive impact while adding our own Mandan flair. We’re excited to continue this tradition and make the 2024 Santa Run a memorable and impactful event for years to come.”
The fun run will feature hot chocolate and holiday treats, music, and festive views as runners enjoy views of the Mandan Holiday Lights. Santa Suits are provided to runners 13+ as a part of their registration packet.
Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate. Registration is now open. If you register before the end of the month, tickets are $35. After and until race day, ticket price will increase to $50. The race will take place Saturday, December 14th at 4 pm.