Santa Run: Bringing community together
to support those in recovery
The Santa Run, an annual race held in
Bismarck each December, was started
to raise awareness of addiction issues in
the community and to raise funds for the
Runners Against Destructive Decisions
(RADD) group.
Started in April 2014 by Judge David
Reich, RADD provides a healthy lifestyle
alternative for individuals in recovery and
their families. “In an effort to stop the cycle
of addiction, crime, and jail, I decided to start
a running group,” he says. “RADD meets
weekly to run or walk. Participants set a goal
of completing a 5k run or walk and train
with RADD for approximately eight weeks
before doing so.”
RADD also buys running shoes and pays
race entry fees for participants who could not
otherwise afford those costs.
The first Santa Run was held in December
Above, Judge Reich at
the Santa Run.
Right, the many Santa
Run participants.
28
THE GAVEL
2014. “We were hoping for 100-150
participants for the first run and far exceeded
our expectations with more than 350,” says
Reich, adding, in 2017, more than 400
individuals took part in the race.
He says the event is unique for many reasons.
“There are not many running events in North
Dakota in December. Everyone 13 and older
runs in a Santa suit and sponsors run in elf
costumes. Carolers, spectators, and inflatables
line the race course, and more than 100
volunteers contribute to the festive spirit of
the event.”
The Santa Run is also unique because its
purpose is to raise awareness of addiction
issues in the community. “The subject of
addiction is usually portrayed in a very serious
and often negative light,” notes Reich. “The
Santa Run is a fun and festive event which
provides hope and support for individuals in
recovery and celebrates their sobriety.”
In addition to raising funds for RADD,
proceeds from the event are shared with the
group’s charity partner, Hope Manor sober
living homes, and the Burleigh County
Drug Court. Hope Manor operates three
sober living homes in Bismarck to provide
a safe drug and alcohol-free environment
for individuals newly in recovery, and
Drug Court provides an alternative to
incarceration for individuals convicted of
drug and/or alcohol-related crime. “The
Santa Run helps to raise awareness of the
issues of addiction in a positive way and
helps build community and support for
individuals in recovery,” says Reich.
For more information on RADD and the
Santa Run, visit www.bismarcksantarun.
com. Individuals interested in volunteering
with RADD can contact Reich at dreich@
ndcourts.gov or meet at the east lobby of
the Bismarck YMCA at 7 a.m. on Saturday
mornings.