Running with the Reindeer by Julie Simmons

Running with the Reindeer

BY JULIE SIMMONS • PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMELIA RUNNERS

As the Christmas season and its varied traditions draw closer, get ready for Amelia Island’s annual Reindeer Run, which celebrates its tenth and final year in December.

The first Sunday of December is a standing date for many on Amelia Island. Runners lace up their shoes to hit the pavement for 13.1 or 3.1 miles. Walkers dress in festive apparel and meet their friends ready for some exercise and camaraderie. Volunteers bundle up ready to brave the cool air as they direct the crowds and serve them water along the course. And the energetic Reindeer Run race directors, Pattee Boler and Susie DeMille, are all smiles, greeting friends, handling any race-day hiccups, and making sure that Santa is at the starting line to announce, “On your marks, get set, go!”

The tradition started with a casual conversation 11 years ago when Pattee and Susie traveled to another city for a race and thought, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if Amelia had its own half-marathon that toured our natural beauty!”

From that inspiration, Pattee and Susie began to explore the possibilities; they crowd-sourced the concept with runners at the McArthur YMCA, athletes they’d bump into in town, and, of course, the Amelia Island Runners Club, who endorsed the idea and partnered with Pattee and Susie to bring it to life.

“The Reindeer Run is unique in that it’s so much more than just a run,” explains Pattee. “It’s truly a family event with something for everyone. From the certified races for the athletes to the one-mile, half-mile, and 100 yard dash with Santa for the children, a Kid’s Zone, Beer Garden, and this year, a 5k with your furry friends, everyone can come and have a great time!”

“Pattee hit the nail on the head,” says Susie. “I love having my whole family involved. My Dad dresses up as Santa and runs with the littles and his buddies host the Beer Garden; Mom runs registration and coordinates the race packets, and of course, my boys have run the half-marathon every single year. In fact, this is our tenth year, and Joey is 20 now, so since he was 10, he’s run 13.1 miles each year. And his training starts and ends on race day!” she laughs. continued on next page

When I asked the team why they keep up this hard work year after year, they were both quick to share the personal joy they experience when a runner finishes their first race, whether it’s a 5K or half-marathon. “It’s just a privilege to be part of this accomplishment. And it’s even better when you get to hand them their medal,” Pattee smiles.

The pair was quick to highlight that this race hasn’t happened because of “them.” “The community comes together year after year to rally around this event and support us,” Susie emphasized. “Over the years, Fernandina Beach High School’s Little Women Club and National Honor Society have been instrumental, along with groups including, The Y, Journey Church, Hot Paws, Newcomers Club, and so many more—every single volunteer is important and appreciated!”

Looking back with pride on these past ten years, Pattee and Susie are beaming as they prepare to celebrate the final Reindeer Run on December 5 this year. “We want as many of you as possible to come join us for our last Reindeer Run,” they say. “You can count on Christmas Spirit, a course traversing charming neighborhoods, Egan’s Creek Greenway, Fort Clinch State Park, and Olde Towne, which is always full of energetic supporters, Christmas Carolers and bands, and of course, the notorious reindeer marking each and every mile up to the finish line.” And when you finish, Santa will be serving fresh baked cookies and milk!

To learn more about the race or to register, visit www.ameliarunners.com/ reindeer-run. To volunteer, email Pattee at mcboler@aol.com.