On Christmas Eve morning, as dawn broke over Boulder Creek and the last gusts of a fierce winter storm gave way to calm skies, hundreds of people poured into town wearing antlers, costumes, smiles and a shared sense of joy.
By the time the final runners crossed the finish line, the Ninth Annual Boulder Creek Reindeer Run had become the largest in its history, a testament to community spirit, persistence and a little bit of holiday magic.
Founded in 2017 by Lori Lee and Mary Beth Curley, the Reindeer Run began with the simplest of ideas: dress up and run through town on Christmas Eve.
“It started with three of us,” Curley recalled with a laugh. “Me, Lori and Cassie Sprenger.”
That first run was spontaneous and joyful, the kind of idea that feels complete in the moment until someone asks, “What if we do it again next year?”
And so they did.
The following year, a few Facebook posts and word-of-mouth brought about 20 runners with festive candy kisses handed out at the finish line. By 2019, participation had grown to 75, and Lee and Curley began to imagine something bigger—something that could give back to the community they loved. They approached the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District (BCRPD), which quickly embraced the event as a benefit for its programs.
Then came 2020.
In the wake of the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire and amid the uncertainty of a raging pandemic, canceling would have been understandable. Instead, the Reindeer Run adapted. Spread over four days with small, timed heats, runners followed the route in staggered groups.
“It was actually the only profitable event for BCRPD that year,” Curley said.
About 150 people participated, and the now-infamous image of two T-rex costumes sprinting through downtown Boulder Creek became a symbol of resilience and humor in a difficult year.
From there, the growth continued. Participation climbed steadily from the low hundreds to more than 450 in 2024, despite rainy weather. This past December, the numbers told an even bigger story.
The ninth annual event drew 682 total participants, including 552 paid registrants and 130 children, reinforcing the founders’ commitment to keeping the event family-friendly and accessible. Kids 12 and under always participate for free.
“We want kids in strollers, on scooters, on bikes,” Curley said. “We want them there.”
The event raised $4,525 in paid sponsorships, received $550 in cash donations prior to the run, and ultimately generated enough revenue to present a $13,000 check to the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District on Jan. 8, doubling the previous year’s contribution. The funds support BCRPD programs serving residents of all ages.
The 2025 run’s success came despite dramatic weather conditions. A powerful windstorm knocked out power across the region the night before the race, raising concerns about safety.
“Safety is our No. 1 priority,” Lee said. “Fun is No. 2.”
Contingency plans were in place in case of high winds, but by morning, the storm paused just long enough for the run to take place.
“It felt like such a blessing,” Curley said. “The sun even came out.”
Behind the scenes, the Reindeer Run has grown into a sophisticated, volunteer-powered operation.
The ninth event included 20 volunteers, six planning committee members known as “Reindeer Run Elves,” six premier sponsors, six regular sponsors, eight in-kind sponsors, eight vendors and three volunteer photographers. There were costume prizes supported by 17 donated gift certificates, a jump house, face painter and photo booth, plus a revamped website, new registration system and a newly designed course route.
Yet despite its scale, the event remains deeply personal.
“This is our heart project,” Lee said.
Planning conversations happen year-round, even if formal work doesn’t begin until summer. Families return year after year, often bringing more friends each time. Participants travel from across California, and even from Canada, Alaska and Pennsylvania, to take part.
“People tell us it’s not Christmas until the Reindeer Run happens,” Curley said.
The founders are also mindful of the impact a growing event can have on the community. Route monitors, crossing guards, advance signage and door-to-door neighbor outreach help balance celebration with consideration. Feedback surveys are sent out each year to guide improvements.
“We’re always open to constructive feedback,” Lee said. “If we don’t hear it, we can’t respond.”
At its core, the Reindeer Run has become something bigger than a race. It’s a fundraiser, a family tradition, a reunion, a burst of joy at a time of year when people need it most. It’s also a love letter to Boulder Creek.
“We’re just really blessed that Boulder Creek has accepted this and made it part of its tradition,” Curley said. “And to be able to give back and support BCRPD for all they do for our community, it feels really good.”
As the check was presented to the BCRPD Board of Directors Chairperson George Galt by Lee, Curley and fellow Reindeer Run Elves, it marked not just a financial milestone, but a reminder of what can happen when a small idea is fueled by heart, humor and community.
From three reindeer to hundreds, the run continues—one joyful Christmas Eve at a time.
