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You too, can dress like Santa and run a race.

Shannon Bryan from FitMaine.com has some suggestions.

There are a number of cold water plunges, and ice climbs that you could subject yourself too to test your toughness. But this list from Shannon Bryan at FitMaine.com get's you into a Santa suit, or a Grinch costume, or perhaps donned as an elf to test your humility and endurance. Races to take the calories and the pride away for awhile.

Wesley’s Jingle Dash for Cancer

9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2

Hybrid Fitness, Thomaston

runsignup.com/Race/ME/Thomaston/WesleysJingleDashforCancer

The first Annual Wesley’s Jingle Walk was created to help financially support Wesley Grindle in his battle against cancer. Each year it continues to support other long-time community members that need a helping hand through a life-altering transition. The event begins with the “dash,” a brisk and crisp winter walk around Thomaston, and finishes with the “jingle” at Indigo Café. The “jingle” will feature local acoustic musicians accompanied by home style crockpot dishes and soup.

Santa Hustle Maine 5K

8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 2

The Maine Mall, South Portland

$44.75 in advance, $60 day of

www.santahustle.com/maine/

Considering Santa is one of the fastest-moving people in the world (delivering all those presents all over the world in just one night), it makes sense that there’s a Santa-inspired road race. Dress up in your best Christmas ensemble (Santa hats and beards provided) and run a 5K in South Portland that starts at The Maine Mall. There will be festive music and cookies ON THE COURSE and an after party, too!

Jingle Bell Run/Walk

9 a.m. (kids run), 9:30 a.m. (5K) Sunday, Dec. 2

Mast Landing School, 20 Mollymauk Lane, Freeport

$40 ($20 kids run)

events.arthritis.org

You’re welcome to go all-out Santa for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Or elf it up. Or wait – run as a yeti! No matter what your inspiration, you’re encouraged to wear a holiday themed costume and run to raise fund for the Arthritis Foundation.

Shipyard Seaside Santa Dash 5K

9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

86 Beach Avenue Kennebunk

$30 (Seaside Santa Dash) and $10 (Elf Dash)

facebook.com/SeasideSantaDash

If you don’t own your own Santa suit, never fear. The first 100 registrants of the Seaside Santa Dash get a free Santa suit. This event, which includes a 5K and kids “Elf Dash,” in part of Prelude in the Kennebunks and the course includes some running on the beach and the roads. After the race, head to Federal Jack’s for a Shipyard Prelude Special Ale (or whatever suits your fancy) during the the awards and after-party. Organizers are also collecting unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Portland Trails Holiday Dash Winter 5K

11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 9

Eastern Prom Trail (near Ri Ra), Portland

$35 race fee includes brunch and a ticket for pint of local beverage

trails.org

A little snow doesn’t stop Santa. And it shouldn’t stop a runner dressed like Santa. Who knows what the weather will be like on December 9, but whatever happens (sleet, sub-zero temperatures) know that your participation in this race benefits Portland Trails AND you’ll get free brunch and a beverage at Ri Ra Irish Pub afterward. Bonus.

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