Attracting serious runners to recreational walkers, families and pets, the Reindeer Fun Run, benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills, annually brings community spirit to downtown Southern Pines.

As part of the new Sandhills Race Series, this year’s fourth annual charitable event, held on Dec. 4, attracted more than 1,950 participants, making it the largest running event in the area.

“The Reindeer Fun Run has quickly grown to be more than a race,” said Kate Petsolt, founder and director of the annual 5K, 10K and half-mile Egg Nog Jog. “It’s become a holiday tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the season and generate funds for a worthy cause. One hundred percent of proceeds from our event are donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills to help provide a safe place for our local youth to learn and grow.

“This year, due to an increase in both sponsorships and participants, I am proud to announce that the Reindeer Fun Run is able to make a record donation of $23,000.”

The Reindeer Fun Run’s major sponsor is Trident Marketing. Other level sponsors include: Chick-fil-A, Steve Jones Honda, Dr. Michael Henry Orthodontics, Pinehurst Radiology, Saunders Orthodontics, Southern Pines Physical Therapy, Crescent State Bank, iTennis.com, Rainbow Cycles, Sayer Photography, PineStraw magazine and The O’Neal School.

“Support from our local businesses is critical for hosting our festive, family fun event,” said David Petsolt, Reindeer Fun Run promotions director. “Sponsorships have permitted us to add to our event and coordinate a safe race featuring the cutting edge in timing services. We are grateful for all of our sponsors’ generosity and commitment to our race cause.”

New event features for 2010 included the Blitzen Bash, a pre-race party at the Campbell House, a scenic 10K course through Southern Pines horse country and enhanced race day park activities.

The Blitzen Bash included ­donations from Aldena Fyre Floral Design, Ashten’s, Ironwood Cafe, Rhett’s, The Sly Fox, Sweet Feed and The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room.

Park activities included a warm-up from Anjali Yoga, a Chick-fil-A kids’ zone offering four-wheel pony rides, carnival games and photos with Santa, and post-race live music from a FirstFriday favorite, Peyton Tochterman. Panera Bread was also on-site race day to provide refreshments to the 150-plus volunteers assisting with race activities.

“The Reindeer Fun Run shows our boys and girls how much their community cares,” said Caroline Eddy, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills. “From the pre-race nutrition and fitness workshops offered at our club to the cheers at the finish line, the Reindeer Fun Run instills a sense of accomplishment and offers healthy fun for our youth, families and staff.

“We enjoy participating in the event and greatly appreciate the sponsors, volunteers and community support that allows Reindeer Fun Run to benefit our programs and services.”

Race award winners for 2010 include: overall 5K male, Peter Deucher, of Vass, with a time of 16:36; overall 5K female, Emily Potter, of Southern Pines, with a time of 18:10; overall 10K male, John Nietfeld, of Raleigh, with a time of 38:16; and overall 10K female, Kelly Kingore, of Fayetteville, with a time of 42:44.

For more event information, a complete list of sponsors and official race results, visit reindeerfunrun.com, or contact Kate Petsolt at (910) 693-3045.

To learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills, visit sandhillsbgc.org.