Reindeer Run Celebrates 20 Years Supporting Special Olympics Delaware

NEWARK, Del. – For two decades, the Reindeer Run & Romp 5K has kicked off the holiday season in Newark. On December 4, runners, walkers, athletes, families, and supporters will gather once again and celebrate the spirit of the season while raising critical funds for year-round Special Olympics programs.

The Reindeer Run started as a community holiday race and has continued to grow into one of Delaware’s favorite winter events. In 2025 alone, the event welcomed more than 1,400 participants, continuing a tradition that has become a staple of the Newark holiday season. This year we are looking forward to another packed event!

A Night Filled with Holiday Spirit

The Reindeer Run & Romp transforms Newark into a celebration of holiday cheer. Participants make their way through a 3.1-mile course lined with entertainment, volunteers, and supporters, creating an energetic atmosphere from start to finish. One of the most exciting parts of this year’s event is the costume contest. The costume contest encourages participants to show off their holiday creativity. Whether it’s reindeer antlers, an ugly holiday sweater, festive lights, or a fully themed outfit, participants are invited to arrive dressed to impress. The contest adds an extra layer of fun and helps make the event feel more like a holiday celebration than a traditional road race.

Celebrating a Community Legacy

Reaching the 20-year milestone is an opportunity to celebrate everyone who has helped make the event successful. Thousands of runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, law enforcement personnel, community partners, and Special Olympics Delaware athletes have contributed to the event’s continued growth over the years.

“For 20 years, the Reindeer Run & Romp has brought people together during the holiday season to celebrate community, inclusion, and the incredible impact of Special Olympics Delaware. What makes this event so special isn’t just the race itself, it’s the thousands of participants, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have helped create opportunities for our athletes year after year,” said Lisa Smith, Vice President of Marketing & Development for Special Olympics Delaware,” As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we’re grateful for everyone who has been part of the journey and excited to welcome a new generation of participants to continue this tradition.”

Keep the Momentum Going This Winter

The Reindeer Run & Romp is just the beginning of a season filled with opportunities to support Special Olympics Delaware.

Registration is now open for the Run to the Plunge 5K, giving runners another chance to stay active while supporting Delaware athletes. This event kicks off Plunge Weekend. Plunge Weekend runs from February 5 through February 7, 2027. The weekend also includes a Fire & Ice event (Wing & Ice Cream Tasting), Restaurant Chili Contest, Bear Discounts, Sand and Ice Sculpting, and of course the Plunge itself. Thousands of supporters will head into the icy Atlantic at 1pm on Sunday, February 7th, for one of the state’s largest and most anticipated fundraising events benefiting Special Olympics Delaware athletes.

Registration is open for the Plunge and if you sign up now, you can participate in November’s Monthly Challenge, where any participant who raises $500 by the end of the month will be entered into a drawing for a Weekend Festival Package. The Weekend Festival Package includes entry into the 5K Run to the Plunge, tasting tickets for the Fire & Ice Event, and tickets for the Restaurant Chili Contest.

Join the 20th Anniversary Reindeer Run Celebration