FAQ's
🎄 About the Reindeer Run
❄️ What is the Reindeer Run?
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The Reindeer Run is a holiday tradition in Lakewood, Ohio 🎅, including a 5K road race 🏃♂️ and a kid's Dasher Dash (quarter-mile race 🦌). This year, the Reindeer Run celebrates it's 26th year running!
❤️ Who does this event benefit?
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This year's Reindeer Run benefits Love Doesn't Shove 💕.
📅 When does each event begin?
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🗓 Saturday, December 13, 2025
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🦌 Dasher Dash – 8:45 AM
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🏃♂️ 5K Run – 9:00 AM
📍 Where does the race begin?
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Lakewood Park (14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107)
🕖 When does race day registration/packet pickup begin?
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7:30 AM
🎟️ Registration Information
2024 Fees
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💰 5K - Early Bird (July 25 - Dec 1) – $35
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💰 5K - Late Rate (Dec 2 - Race Day) – $40
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👦 5K - Kids (10 & under) – $25
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🦌 Dasher Dash (11 & under) – $10
📦 Packet Pick-Up Information
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Early pickup dates & locations listed 👉 [HERE] later in the year!
🏅 Results & Awards
⏱️ How is this race timed?
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The race is officially timed using a disposable Bib tag timing system with state-of-the-art Mylaps timing mats🎟️. Timing chips are attached to the back of your bib and should remain adhered for the race.
📊 Where can I see my results?
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Results are posted LIVE on the Reindeer Run website
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Scannable QR codes are displayed all around the finish line area for quick access with your phone!
❌ What if my results are incorrect or missing?
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Contact 📧 roadracing@hermescleveland.com after results are officially posted.
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If you did not wear a bib during the race, you do not receive a result.
🏆 Does this race provide awards?
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Yes! 🎄 Special holiday awards for:
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🥇🥈🥉 Top 3 overall male & female finishers in the 5K
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🏅 Top 3 finishers (male & female) in these age groups:
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👦 10 & under | 🏃 11-14 | 🏃 15-19 | 🏃 20-24 | ... (up to 80+)
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🏅 The Jess Bell Senior Division Awards (for top male and female finishers 60+)
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Awards are passed out at the same location as registration - please come to the Awards table to claim your award race morning!
📬 I couldn’t pick up my award—how can I get it?
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🏢 Pick up at the Hermes office (2425 West 11th St, Cleveland, OH) (call or email us before you plan to stop out 216-623-9933)
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🏃♂️ Have it sent to your next Hermes race (email 📧 roadracing@hermescleveland.com)
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🚫 No mailing of awards – Awards can be claimed for up to 30 days after the race.
🚗 Race Day Logistics & Information
🅿️ Where can I park on race morning?
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Parking is available in and around Lakewood Park.
🎒 Is there a bag check?
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No bag check ❌ unless you're a Road Race Series member.
🐶👶 Can I bring my dog or stroller?
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Yes! But for safety, please start at the back of the pack.
🔄 Refunds & Transfers
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💵 Can I get a refund or transfer to another person?
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🚫 No refunds – all entries are non-refundable & non-transferable to future races.
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✅ You can transfer your entry to another person for free before packet pickup!
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🔁 How do I transfer my registration?
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1️⃣ Log into RunSignUp and choose "Gift Transfer"
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2️⃣ Enter the new runner's name & email 📧
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3️⃣ Once they register, your entry is removed
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More info 👉 How-To Transfer
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👕 If I can’t attend, can I still get my t-shirt and packet?
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Yes! Pick up at our office the following week or at packet pickup📍 (Call 216-623-9933 before coming).
🤔 Miscellaneous
🙋 Can I volunteer?
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Yes! Check volunteer opportunities 👉 [HERE] *Will be updated after registration opens in July.
🚶 Do I have to run, or can I walk?
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Walking is welcome, but police may ask late walkers to move to the sidewalk after 10am (1 hour after the Start)🚶♂️.
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Walkers must line up at the back of the race start line.
🌡️ What is the weather like?
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Ohio weather is unpredictable! ❄️ One year it was in the teens with snow, another year it was 50s & sunny ☀️.
🎒 What should I bring?
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📧 Registration confirmation (if picking up packet)
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🎟️ Race bib (if already picked up)
📈 How is the course—are there hills?
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No! Flat & fast – perfect for a 5K PR! 🏃♀️
⏳ How long is the course open?
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About 1 hour after race start. Police will close the course when necessary for safety 🚔.
📩 Will I get race updates?
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Yes! We’ll send packet pickup reminders before race week. For all info, check the Reindeer Run page or call us at 216-623-9933 📞.
