Thousands of Santas Take over Downtown Las Vegas for 13th Annual “Las Vegas Great Santa Run”
On Saturday, December 2 the Las Vegas Community rallied together for the 13th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run, benefiting beloved local organization Opportunity Village. Met by a sea of Kris Kringle lookalikes, Grand Marshal Holly Madison and Honorary Chairman Wayne Newton joined the fun run to welcome participants to another exciting year.
Las Vegas Great Santa Run 2017
Following a high-energy Zumba warm up, hosts introduced an array of special guests including acclaimed male revue stars The Chippendales; Opportunity Village Vice President of Philanthropy Adam Joseph; Opportunity Village President and CEO Bob Brown; and Mayor Carolyn Goodman and husband Oscar Goodman.
Former Mayor Oscar Goodman greets crowd
Donned in full Santa suits, 5K runners and walkers enjoyed energetic performances from Opportunity Village’s all Elvis dance troupe OV Elvi and singer George Dare with “Run, Santa Run.” Additionally, showgirl and entertainer Gabriella Versace from SEXXY got everyone in a holiday spirit with “What Christmas Means to Me.” Mr. and Mrs. Claus also serenaded the crowd with “White Christmas.”
Wayne Newton and Holly Madison greet Great Santa Run
Madison and Newton greeted the energetic runners and led the crowd in a JEEP sponsored by SAHARA Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to the start line for the 5K. After a jolly performance by Lorena Peril of FANTASY and a traditional countdown with confetti showers, thousands of Santas were off as they made their way through Downtown Las Vegas. From there, The Chippendales led the rest of the crowd to the 1-mile Kris Kringle Jingle Walk. Celebrations commenced after the race as participants were given commemorative Santa medals.
OV Elvi perform for Great Santa Run participants
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is Opportunity Village’s largest annual fundraiser and to date and has raised millions of dollars toward the charity’s support of more than 2,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Las Vegas Valley. For more information, visit www.LasVegasSantaRun.org.