Santa to the Sea toy run returns for 15th annual race through Oxnard
Santa to the Sea, a half-marathon race that raises funds for toys and scholarships, is returning for its 15th annual run through Oxnard on Dec. 11.
The event begins at Santa’s Village in the unincorporated Nyeland Acres community, home of the giant saluting Santa Claus statue near Highway 101. The race will follow an approximately 13-mile route through the city of Oxnard, ending at Channel Islands Harbor.
Quarter-marathon, 5k and 1k routes are also available. Organizers expect about 2,500 participants this year.
“It’s a fun, healthy, family event,” founder Mike Barber said. “A lot of families have made it a family tradition.”
The Oxnard Police Department and about 600 volunteers will be stationed along the course, guiding participants, blocking traffic and handing out water. Ten live bands will also perform along the route.
The race has drawn a variety of participants in the past, from the serious athlete to the casual walker, Barber said. Medals are awarded for top finishers in various categories. People also bring their dogs along for the run, or walk a portion of the route with their family.
Others use the opportunity to spread Christmas cheer. Participants can dress up in holiday costumes for a chance to win the annual costume contest.
One contestant pushed a shopping cart decked out to look like a sleigh pulled by reindeer, Barber said.
Proceeds from the event go to the nonprofit’s annual toy drive and scholarship fund. The event has given away more than 50,000 toys and raised over $500,000 for scholarships to Oxnard College.
Participants are also asked to donate a toy.
“For a lot of kids, this is the only toy they’ll get all year long,” said Mary Anne Rooney, Barber’s life partner and head elf.
On Friday morning, Barber, Rooney and several volunteers were hard at work decorating Santa’s Village on Ventura Boulevard in Nyeland Acres. They hung ornaments in trees and exchanged Santa’s sunglasses for a pair of clear spectacles.
Thirteen-year-old Avilene Aguilar was one of the busy elves. For the past six years, she has received a present during the toy giveaway. On the morning of the giveaway, she said, the atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, despite the long lines.
“Everyone is happy to see all the toys and giveaways,” Aguilar said. “At the end of the day, it’s all worth it.
Barber said residents begin lining up during the cold morning hours for their chance to snag a present and a raffle ticket. During the raffle, kids have a chance to win televisions, computers, bikes and other big-ticket items.
Although anyone is welcome to attend the giveaway, organizers declined to give the date of the giveaway over concerns there won’t be enough toys. Rooney said Nyeland Acres residents will be made aware of the date.
To sign up and learn more about the run, visit santaothesea.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Santa to the Sea half-marathon toy run to benefit kids
