Niagara PAL to add costume contest to 'Santa Dash 5K'

Featured for the fifth annual Niagara PAL “Santa Dash 5K” on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Sheraton Niagara Falls, will be the holiday/winter-themed costume contest for all runners. Cash awards will be given for the best costumes. Runner awards will be given for the top three finishers in the respective categories, with long-sleeved T-shirts presented to the first 150 runners.

Registration is $25 prerace or $30 on race day. Preregistration at score-this.com. Race day registration starts at 7 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m. The certified course is along Old Falls Street to the Niagara Scenic Parkway along the Upper Niagara River to the Old Stone Chimney, and back along Riverwalk and Riverway.

As added attractions, there will be four races within the race: The Doughnut Cup Challenge with police officers from various law enforcement agencies competing for the right to claim the “Doughnut Cup Trophy” for the year; the First Responder Challenge, with firefighters, EMTs and medical professionals vying to claim the trophy depicting their role; the Educators Trophy for all teachers, administrators and support personnel; and the High School Classic, with teams of five runners using cross-country scoring in an effort to take their trophy back to their school.

All runners in the special races are eligible for awards in their age division in the “Santa Dash.” The post-race party and awards will be in the Torrent Restaurant at the Sheraton with music by Nicholas Picholas.

A basket auction will be held in the Sheraton lobby and Torrent Restaurant from 9-11:30 a.m. Up to 100 auction items are expected, along with special drawings. Events are a part of the Jingle Falls festivities. Parking is free in the city lot. All proceeds benefit Niagara PAL youth programs.

For more information, go to www.niagarapal.com, call PAL at 716-286-7038, or email [email protected].