Holiday race · Zelienople
Reindeer Race
Usual timing Often the third Saturday in December
Get Fit Families’ holiday run in Zelienople, about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh. Families run or walk, costumes are welcome, and the auction baskets — one of GFF’s most important annual fundraisers — are open to racers, spectators, shops, and anyone who wants to donate.
Location
Zelienople
Registration
Registration not open
Auction baskets
The Reindeer Race auction is one of Get Fit Families’ most important yearly fundraisers. You do not have to race to take part. Come browse the baskets, bid, and stay for the holiday gathering — or donate so someone else can.
People and businesses donate every year. Expect a mix of gifts from local shops and companies, themed baskets, lottery baskets, and other contributions from the community. Proceeds support GFF youth scholarships and summer triathlon and running camps.
To donate a basket or item, contact Coach Joella Baker. She will coordinate what you can give. This page does not list drop-off times, donation deadlines, or this year’s basket inventory.
Why this race
Reindeer Race is GFF’s December gathering in Zelienople, a small borough where the club also hosts other family events. People come to run or walk the holiday course, cheer from the sidewalks, shop the auction, and put registration toward youth scholarships.
Who can participate
- Kids and adults who want to run or walk. Beginners and returning racers are welcome. Costumes are welcome.
- Spectators and auction guests. You can support the fundraiser without racing.
Plan your race day
- Arrive in Zelienople, check in, then run or walk.
- Add extra time for holiday parking.
- Stay for the auction baskets and the holiday gathering.
- Stay for awards. They are handed out on site and are not mailed.
Questions families ask
When is the race?
. Often the third Saturday in December.
Where do we start, and can we get there from Pittsburgh?
The race is in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, north of Pittsburgh, typically about 30 minutes via I-79.
Can I bring a costume, a stroller, or a dog?
Costumes are welcome. Strollers and dogs are welcome at this family holiday race in town. Keep dogs under control.
How do we donate a basket if we are not racing?
Email Coach Joella Baker at joella@zoominternet.net. You can donate even if nobody in your household runs. She will arrange what you can give; do not drop items off until she confirms a time.
Are refunds available, and how do we get awards?
Race registration refunds are not available. Awards are handed out on site on race day and are not mailed.
Looking ahead
Donate a basket anytime through Joella. Many families also run the Halloween Trail Race or train with Winter Youth Training.