Round Rock Rotary Reindeer Run draws record crowd

The organizers of the 2012 Round Rock Rotary Reindeer Run said they decided to plan the race to coincide with the opening of the city's Rock 'N Lights drive-thru lights display.

Participants seemed to like the idea as well, as early counts indicate this year's Dec. 2 race brought in a record number of runners and walkers for the kids 1K and regular 5K events.

"The success was overwhelming," said Rick Atkins, Round Rock Parks and Recreation director. "In the past there was about 200 participants this year we believe there were at least 2,000."

Rock 'N Lights is a new city-sponsored event that opened Dec. 3. It features holiday-themed light displays along a 1.5-mile path through Old Settlers Park. The event is restricted to motor vehicle traffic only and runs through Dec. 31.

Race organizers coordinated with the city, however, to open the display one day early for race participants. The Reindeer Run was the only chance visitors had to see the displays on foot.

"[The Reindeer Run] was off the charts this year," said Mike Shaw, co-chairman of the Rotary Club of Round Rock-Sunrise Reindeer Run organizing committee. "The fact the [Reindeer] Run ran through the lights this year was a game-changer."

Proceeds collected from race entry fees will go toward maintaining the Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock. Shaw estimated that more than $20,000 was collected to benefit the park.