The City of Allen’s annual “Rudolph Run” will take to the streets on December 1, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the physical education programs at the Lovejoy ISD elementary schools.

“We have participated in our run for the past few years. Our primary reason for participating is to support living a healthy lifestyle by being active,” Lovejoy elementary principal Patty Jackson said.

The elementary schools in the district place a special emphasis on being healthy and living a healthy lifestyle.

“It is important for young children and adults to understand the importance of living physically active lifestyles and taking part in community events,” Puster PE teacher Kent Bentley said.

Due to state budget cuts, the money raised from the race will certainly help out the PE programs at all the elementary schools. The money will be used to purchase equipment that all of the kids can use during PE.

“A small portion of the registration money is given back to the school’s PE department. The money is certainly helpful with budget constraints due to cutbacks from the state,” Lovejoy Elementary PE teacher Jan Jungmann said.

The elementary schools are very appreciative of the money raised for the race.

“The Puster PE department will receive $5 per student from Puster that signs up for the event,” Bentley said. “Our PE program does not need this money, although any programs willing to help out schools in a monetary way is appreciated. Of course with the budget cuts throughout the state in education, anything helps!”

There are 2 different races that people can sign up for.

“Participants can choose to walk the 1 mile fun run or compete in the 5K race,” Jungmann said.

The 5K Rudolph Run is a competitive race, and people of all ages are also welcome. Prizes will be given out to the winners as well. There is a $100 prize for the overall winner, and medals are given out in each age category. Chip timing will be used to get accurate results for the 5K run with the chips attached to each racer’s bib.;

The Fun Run is not competitive and people of all ages are welcome. The Fun Run starts at 8:15 a.m. and even dogs are welcome to participate in the fun run as long as they are on a leash.

Parking is available anywhere along the course or at the Allen Public Library. The start and finish for the race is located at 102 Main St., and the race will go down Cedar Drive and in Allen Station Park.

If the weather is bad there will be no refunds and the race will be cancelled.

The elementary schools are urging everyone to come out and support our schools.

“It’s a fun day of activity for our teachers, staff, and our Lovejoy families,” Jungmann said.