When Ian Cole of the charity Semper Gratus began organizing Santa Shuffle 5k & 1 Mile Fun Walk with a “Christmas in July” theme, he couldn’t have planned for our run of hot temperatures.

But the fun of Santa and the spirit of giving are appropriate themes no matter the weather.

Cole is also race director for the popular Shamrock Shuffle 5k and 1 Mile Walk, a St. Patrick’s Day themed event held each year in the small town of West Leechburg. Santa Shuffle will be held on the same rolling course through residential streets, but in the reverse direction. That means the Santa Shuffle will have a downhill finish.

The first Santa Shuffle 5k & 1 Mile Fun Walk will be held July 10 at 9 a.m. Ian is hoping for a break from the scorching heat, but says they will be prepared.

“We’ll have at least three water misters on the course,” he says. “If needed, the local fire department will add additional cooling hoses. There will also be plenty of water, fruit and Hint drink at the finish line as well as lemonade from the locally popular Brody’s Lemonade stand and popcorn from Popped Envy.

Santa Shuffle will be the first post-pandemic race for Ian Cole and Semper Gratus. Masks are encouraged for pre and post-race activities, but not necessary for vaccinated participants and spectators. There will be a staggered start for both the 5k and 1 Mile events for distancing and hand sanitizers positioned around the start/finish area. There is a virtual option for those not comfortable with large crowds.

There is no capacity restriction for Santa Shuffle. As of this week, 125 have registered. You may register online at runsignup.com/pa-leechburg-santashuffle5k or in person on race day beginning at 8 a.m All participants receive a goody bag. T-shirts for late registrants are on a first come, first served basis.

Competitive awards for the 5k include top three male and female finishers as well as top three in age groups from 10 & Under through 70+. There are also prizes for Best Santa-themed costume and Ugly Sweater. Leashed dogs are welcome on the course, as are walkers and joggers of all ages and abilities.

Ian Cole hopes that this will be as much a community event as a competitive race. Costumes, or at least Christmas colors, add to the fun. Santa himself will make an appearance along with Disney’s Belle and Snow White. Mike, a favorite balloon artist, will make his fantastic creations.

As with Shamrock Shuffle, Santa Shuffle is an opportunity to give back to the community and to show kindness to others. In four years the events have raised nearly $100,000 to support pediatric cancer patients and kids with disabilities through Semper Gratus.

Santa Shuffle is one of two Semper Gratus events being held on July 10. The organization will also hold Small Town, Loud Voice at West Leechburg Fire Department Social Hall from 6 to 11 p.m. Admission to this over-21 Christmas-in-July themed party include music and dancing, open bar with beer, sodas and twater, light bites, games, caricature artist, basket raffles, 50/50 raffle and more.

Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.com/e/small-town-loud-voice-a-christmas-in-july-themed-party-tickets-150646733435 or at the door.

As a reminder of the seriousness of the event’s mission, Santa Shuffle 5k will be run this year as a celebration of the life of Chrystal Gamble Fry, a local resident and Semper Gratus supporter who lost her life to myeloid leukemia at age 36, leaving behind a husband and two young daughters.

Chrystal’s family members will also speak at the Small Town, Loud Voice event.

The upcoming race schedule and recent results, usually appearing with this column, will run separately in Friday’s edition.

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle