Reindeer, Santa, and the sound of running shoes hitting the pavement. It's that time of year again! The fourth annual Active Chatham Reindeer Run is almost here.

This year's Reindeer Run will be on Saturday, December 13th. The race will start at the Central Carolina Community College campus in Pittsboro at 8:00 am. Runners and walkers will begin the 3.1 mile course on the T.H.A.N.K.S. trail, run through scenic downtown Pittsboro, and finish at the community college. Reindeer Run platinum sponsors include: Chatham County Public Health Department, Dr. N. Rouse Wilson, III, Newland Communities, and Fleet Feet. Active Chatham would like to thank all of its sponsors for contributing to this year's race.

Active Chatham is happy to announce that 2008 Olympic Women's 10,000 meter bronze medalist, Shalane Flanagan, is scheduled to participate in the race festivities. She will be available to meet the public and sign autographs after the Reindeer Run. Flanagan's husband and training partner, Steve Edwards, will be running the race. Both are advocates for additional park and recreational opportunities in Chatham County.

The awards ceremony will be followed immediately by a 1-mile Family Run/Walk. Santa will be making a special visit from the North Pole to visit with children after the race.

Active Chatham is a Chatham County Public Health Department-sponsored coalition of community volunteers established to highlight the importance of physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Proceeds from the race will be used to enhance facilities for physical activity in Chatham County. Funds from the 2007 race helped purchase shade trees and new playground equipment for Kiwanis Park in Pittsboro.

Race brochures with registration forms can be found at the Chatham County Public Health Department sites at 80 East Street and 109 Camp Street in Pittsboro, TeenWorks Teen Center in Siler City, Chatham County Parks and Recreation, Chatham YMCA, Ladies Fitness Center, Millennium Sports Club, Snap Fitness, and Dr. N. Rouse Wilson's Office.

Runners and walkers can also register at www.sportoften.com.