Vacations Blog

Dress your dog in holiday festivewear for the 1.2k Santa Sled Run.

The 12K’s of Christmas celebrates the “health, fitness, and joy of Christmas.” This Christmas run is being held in the town of Gilbert, Arizona on December 12th at the Freestone District Park. Every registered runner receives a free Santa hat to wear during the run. Chorale groups will be stationed along the route singing Christmas Carols, and prizes will be offered for those runners with the most inventive Christmas-themed running outfit.

Along with the 12k marathon is a 1.2k “Santa Sled Run” for the whole family to enjoy, including your four-legged friends. Decorate strollers, wagons, bicycles, and even your dog to run, walk, or stroll the 1.2k. Prizes will be awarded for the 12k’s of Christmas Judges Award, the Spirit of Christmas Judges Award, Santa’s Favorite Pet, Best Decorated Entry, and Individual and Child’s Christmas Spirit awards.

Non-runners can enjoy the Christmas Bazaar for some last-minute Christmas shopping, food, and drink. Downtown Gilbert will also be hosting post-event celebrations, so make a day of it and enjoy the 12K’s of Christmas!

Registration Fee for the 12k Race is $30 prior to race day, and $35 the day of the race. Registration includes water stations and snacks, Santa Hat and collectible finishers pin. Day of Race Registration is 8 am to 9:45 am, the race begins at 10 am, and the awards ceremony immediately follows the race.

Registration Fee for the Santa Sled 1.2K Run is $30 Team entry (4 people), $5 for each additional person.
Registration is from 8 am to 9:45 am, and the race Begins at 10:12 am.

Photo Credit: “I like my new sweater” by mbtrama on Flickr Creative Commons.

Feel free to bring your four-legged friends with you on your next vacation to Arizona! The state is very dog-friendly, with lots of hotels that permit animals, and even spas dedicated to pampering your puppy (that will be the subject of an upcoming entry)! Nearly every city in Arizona has one or several “bark parks” which allow your dog to stretch his or her legs, and some freedom from the leash so they can explore every olfactory nuance of their playground. Here is a small selection of those dog-friendly parks:

The PETsMART Dog Park at Washington Park in Phoenix offers a spacious 2.65 acres in which your dog can frolic. The six-foot high perimeter fencing keeps your dog safe, while the watering station and shady trees keep your dog comfortable. There’s even a separate fenced area especially for small dogs.

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