Run, run Rudolph! — UC Irvine hosts sixth annual 'Run for a Claus' event

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About 3,400 participants, including Nathan Kutcher, 15, of Huntington Beach, left, participate in the sixth annual Run for a Claus 5k and 1-Mile Kids Run/Walk, at UC Irvine on Saturday. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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Mayu McKenzie of Irvine is dressed for the season at the Run for a Claus event. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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A couple dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus take part. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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A man dressed as an elf runs toward the finish line. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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Some participants wore festive costumes. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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Paloma Buehler, 40 of Yorba Linda, wins the women’s 5K. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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Raja Batra, 17, of Irvine, wins the men’s 5K run. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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Hundreds of children and adults take part in the sixth annual event. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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Graysen Schick, 12, of Rancho Santa Margarita, left, wins the boys’ 1K while Sienna Stand, 12 of Aliso Viejo, right, wins the girls’ 1K. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

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Some participants donated toys at the event. (Raul Roa/Staff Photographer)

By Daily Pilot staff

Dec. 7, 2019 6 PM PT

There may not have been a reindeer in sight, but plenty of other dashers came out to UC Irvine Saturday to walk and run for charity during the sixth annual Run for a Claus.

More than 3,500 people and volunteers — some decked out in holiday costumes — came from all over Orange County to participate in the event, which benefited Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and the Kids Run the OC foundation.

Runners also were able to choose a personal charity or cause to raise money for and participants were encouraged to bring toys and canned goods to donate to those in need.

The event, presented by Optima Tax Relief, also included free pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and all participants received a Santa hat and beard prior to the run. They also received finisher’s medals and stockings stuffed with post-event presents.

Additional awards went to the top finishers in the 5K and 1-mile races, as well as to those with the best costumes.

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Run, run Rudolph! — UC Irvine hosts sixth annual ‘Run for a Claus’ event

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