New vendors and activities are scheduled for this year's Round Rock Rotary Reindeer Run 5K and Fun Run.

Last year's event garnered more than 3,000 participants, up from 500–600 in previous years. To facilitate the growth, the Rotary Club of Round Rock–Sunrise is bringing in 25 vendor booths hosting activities, projects and games for children; eight food vendors; and carolers from local high schools.

"This year we sat back and looked at what we could do to make it better and more fun," said Rick Arnold, a Rotary member who is helping coordinate the event. "We want to make it something [participants] will put on their calendar every year."

The event raises money for Round Rock's Play for All Abilities Park, a facility that encourages children's playtime and skill development. Last year the event raised approximately $22,000 for the park and is nearly to that amount this year. Arnold said the funds raised at this year's event will go toward expanding parking at the facility, maintenance and picnic tables.

"Ninety percent of the proceeds from this run go to the city [of Round Rock] specifically for this park," Arnold said. "Every time I go out there, I see kids from all backgrounds and abilities playing together, and that's what's so [great]."

The run is happening Dec. 1 at Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. Runners will travel a course through Round Rock's Rock'N Lights Holiday Light Tour the day before it opens to the public. A timed 5K begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by an untimed 5K at 6 p.m. The fee is $30 for all participants age 10 and older and includes a T-shirt. Children age 9 and younger are admitted free with a parent or guardian. For more information, call 512-218-5540 or visit www.5r5k.org.