Community members braved the cold weather during the 2024 Rancho Cordova Police Activities League Holiday Run. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Police Activities League (PAL) of Rancho Cordova is gearing up for its annual Holiday Run on Dec. 13, a festive event that not only promotes fitness but also supports local youth and families in need. The race, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. in front of Rancho Cordova City Hall, is set to bring together runners and walkers of all ages for a day of community, competition and giving back.

The event offers multiple race options, including an untimed 1.2-mile family walk/run, a 5k for both adults and youth and a 10k for adults and youth. The run serves as both a celebration of the holiday season and a key fundraising event for the Police Activities League, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and engaging youth in a variety of social, educational, recreational and leadership activities.

City officials were present at the event, showing their support for local youth programs which directly benefit from the Rancho Cordova Police Activities League programs. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova

The Holiday Run also doubles as a Toy Drive to benefit the Christmas in Cordova program, which provides gifts to nearly 1,400 children in the Rancho Cordova area. Organizers are encouraging participants to bring an unwrapped toy to donate, helping to ensure that local children have something to open on Christmas morning. Donations can also be made online via Amazon using the following link https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1CO0A8LI12HYD.

Race participants will be treated to a number of fun perks, including a long-sleeved race shirt, a Santa hat (while supplies last for the first 300 registrants) and a commemorative race medal. Early registration is encouraged, as those who sign up after Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. are not guaranteed a T-shirt or medal until after the new year.

Same-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 7:30 a.m. on race day, with pre-race packet pickup available on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rancho Cordova City Hall. The race will feature a new course, with the start and finish lines located in front of City Hall at 2729 Prospect Park Drive.

More than 200 resilient runners and walkers showed up to support the 2024 Rancho Cordova Police Activities League Holiday Run. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova

Registration is still open with the following prices: the 1.2-mile family walk/run is $28.74; both the 5K and 10K for youth (17 and under) are $28.74; and the 5K and 10K for adults are $44.79.

In addition to the race, attendees can enjoy a festive atmosphere with a variety of vendors and special appearances by Santa Claus.

Sponsors for the Holiday Run include the City of Rancho Cordova, the Cordova Community Council, Raley’s, Sacramento County Supervisor Pat Hume, Golden State Water Company, and The Old Spaghetti Factory, among others.

Participants revived goodies including a Santa hat, race shirt and race medal. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova

The Police Activities League offers several other youth-focused programs and events throughout the year, including the Positive Altitude trip to Mather Airport, Junior Giants Baseball, the Outdoor Adventure Club and the Get Fit with PAL fitness programs.

For more information, including how to register and donate, visit https://palholidayrun.com/. 

Participants donated unwrapped toys for the Rancho Cordova Police Department’s Christmas in Cordova program. Photo courtesy of City of Rancho Cordova