Idaho State University students to hold Santa Claws Fun Run on Dec. 3

Idaho State University Department of Sport Science and Physical Education students are putting on a 5K Santa Claws Fun Run on Dec. 3 to help kick off the holidays, while benefiting Brooklyn's Playground and the Bengal Foundation. 

All ages are encouraged to participate in the 5-kilomer run, which will start at 9:30 a.m. at the east side of Reed Gymnasium on the ISU campus.

Run, jog or walk to holiday music heard on the course with friends, and family. The course will then follow the Red Hill Trail.  All paths are paved and will be cleared of any snow and/or ice prior to the event.  After the run, join in the fun with both Santa Claus, and Santa Claws with plenty of complimentary good eats.

There will also be a "Fit Fair" located in the main gym, where there will be vendors showing off fitness related products as well as access for fitness related testing.

Registration is available online at Active.com, (keywords Santa Claws Fun Run). The pre-registration fee is $20 for those 15 and older, and on the day of the race is $25 starting at 7:30 a.m.  The first 50 kids under age 14 can also race for free thanks to additional sponsorship from Idaho Central Credit Union.  Kids should sign up at the Wellness Center or on race day.

“We really want this event to be worthwhile,” stated Devin Papetti, a student in the Senior Capstone class who was assigned the role of co-director of marketing and promotions. “Our goal is to ensure the participants have fun and enjoy themselves during their time on the course as well as at the 'Fit Fair.' We are excited to give back to the community and university by donating the proceeds to Brooklyn's Playground and the Bengal Foundation.” 

Dr. Karen Appleby's PE 4454 class was given the assignment to organize the run to help teach them the inner working of the field of Sports Management. Students are managing all aspects of the race including race logistics, risk management and marketing and promotions.

To bring more meaning to what the students were doing, the class decided that all the proceeds would go to Brooklyn's Playground and the Bengal Foundation. Money raised for Brooklyn's Playground goes towards the maintenance and upkeep fund for the all-access playground. Money raised through the Foundation is dedicated to scholarships for student athletes, several of whom are taking the class.

"This is a great opportunity for students and student athletes to give back to an organization that helps athletes, like myself, as well as helping out our local Brooklyn's Playground," said Samantha Berryman, a student in the class who also is a Cross Country and Track athlete at Idaho State.  "It is a great experience to see what it takes to put on an event such as this."

Another way to make the fun run worthwhile is to give away free items.  Every participant will receive a T-shirt, and a raffle ticket for a large amount of donated prizes. To make the event a little more unique, the"Fit Fair" following the run will feature booths that will be handing out free items.

"We are so grateful for our sponsors Idaho Central Credit Union, Partner Steel, Ideal Audio, Outer Limits and the many businesses donating items.  Without their assistance this event would not be possible. It is because of Businesses like these that we are able to put this race on and as a result, the Bengal Foundation will get help in their effort to provide scholarships to athletes earning their college education," expressed Berryman.

For more information, please contact Devin Papetti, co-marketing and promotions at 208-241-8187 or papedevi@isu.edu; or Clark Rasmussen, race director at 208-680-5720 rasmvict@isu.edu; or Dr. Caroline Faure at 208-282-4085 or faurcaro@isu.edu.