PORTSMOUTH, Va. - More than 250 athletes gathered in Downtown Portsmouth on Sunday to run for some of the community's most vulnerable young people.
The 29th Santa Claus Shuffle 5k Race and 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk started and finished in the shadow of Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion.
The race was organized by the Tidewater Youth Services Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the commission of the same name, which helps support at-risk foster care youth and young adults in the juvenile justice system. The foundation raises money to support the costs of everything from shelter to haircuts ahead of court appearances.
But much like the antler-clad, ugly sweater-wearing runners and walkers moving through town on Sunday, the causes race entry fees support are more about fun.
“We teach kids how to have healthy fun," said Sarah Wray, the Tidewater Youth Services Foundation's new Executive Director. "So going bowling, going to the movies, having a pizza party and playing bingo. Those sorts of things. All of that funding goes to help that stuff.”
Wray moved into her role in July with a goal to raise between $19,000-25,000 from the Santa Claus Shuffle.
She was still counting as of Sunday, but said the race still feels like a "best kept secret."
The hope for the big 30th anniversary race in 2024 is to get as many people as possible signed up to lift up those who just need a helping hand.
