Reindeer Run and Romp

1,434 participants raise more than $45,000

The 2011 event saw 1,071 participants raise over $38,000 for Special Olympics Delaware. (photo by John Rudd)

Sponsored by BNY Mellon and held in conjunction with the City of Newark’s Department of Parks & Recreation "Winterfest" celebration - held annually the first Friday in December - the Reindeer Run and Romp is an evening event that utilizes downtown Newark, the University of Delaware campus and the James F. Hall Trail.

Date, time and location

Aetna Fire Station, located on the corner of Delaware Avenue and Academy Street in Newark.

Map of route

Information about the event

The 5k Reindeer Run is a competitive, timed run with awards given for all age categories. Gore Running Wear™ sponsors the chip timing and is providing the prizes for the 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place male and female overall finishers and the 1st-place finishers in the masters division.

The Reindeer Romp/fun walk is the perfect way for families to support the wonderful cause. The Romp begins shortly after the start of the 5k Run and takes place on the same 5k course.

The event has been embraced by the City of Newark and the University of Delaware community, with various businesses, clubs, sororities and organizations volunteerting for the event. Many downtown merchants are even offering discount coupons provided in participant goodie bags.

Prize breakdown:

1st place overall male and female: Framed award and Gore Running Wear™ Magnitude III jacket

2nd place overall male and female: Framed award and Gore Running Wear™ Essential AS pants

3rd place overall male and female: Framed award and Gore Running Wear™ Mythos gloves

1st place overall Masters (40+): Framed award and Gore Running Wear™ Mythos gloves

Age category winners: (9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+)

1st, 2nd & 3rd place: Framed award and SAS cupcake certificate

Answers to common questions:

1. Children may participate in the Reindeer Romp without registering, but will not receive the goodies that registered rompers do.

2. We discourage dogs from attending either the run or the romp for the safety of the animals and the participants.

3. In the event of extremely inclement weather, the city's Winterfest might be postponed, and if it is, the run/romp will be as well. That information would be posted on our website as soon as a decision is made.

History of the event

In 2011, a record 1,073 people of all ages helped raise over $38,000 for Special Olympics Delaware.

In its six-year history the event has raised over $145,000.

For more information contact Lisa Smith at 302-831-3482 or lismith@udel.edu.

Volunteer at an Event

Special Olympics Delaware