The Sandhills Race Series (SRS) will complete its 2011 Fall Series with the fifth annual Reindeer Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 3.

This year’s 5K and 10K event, benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills, is taking place in downtown Aberdeen. Registration for the holiday kick-off tradition is on track for record attendance.

“Extra excitement also surrounds this year’s event due to tight SRS competition. For many at the starting line, their participation and performance will determine a place in the SRS Champions’ Club,” said Sallie Beth Johnson, SRS co-founder and Advisory Committee member.

The Champions’ Club includes the fall series overall female and overall ale grand prize winners as well as first, second, third place and honorable mention female and male winners in nine separate age group categories from 10 years and under to 70 years andover.

Winners are determined by individual point totals accumulated from participation and performance points awarded in fall series races, including Southern Pines Autumnfest, Pinehurst Turkey Trot and Reindeer Fun Run.

New bonus events, including the Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption’s Run for their Lives! in Sanford, 1 in 8K Rally for the Cure in Pinehurst, Chevy to the Levee in Lumberton and the Scarecrow WEE Fitness Run in West End, also award points for accumulation.

Current leading SRS females are Patsy Ringler and Deb Ryan. Defending champion Wayne Deese and Luke Smith are the male leaders. Savannah Merritt and Thomas Reinhardt lead the youth category.

Based heavily on participation, the SRS point system provides an extra incentive for all ages and abilities to run or walk in a community race to benefit a charitable cause. The grand prize champions are awarded a one year membership to FirstHealth Center for Health & Fitness while Champions’ Club age-group winners receive one-, three- or six-month memberships.

All award winners also receive medals, certificates and SRS performance wear T-shirts. Individuals earning at least 300 points will be awarded SRS winter training gear.

The SRS will present the Champions’ Club, recognize its sponsors, partners and over 300 race volunteers at an awards ceremony on Jan. 12 at the Southern Pines Civic Club.

The SRS major sponsor is the FirstHealth Center for Health & Fitness. Funding is also provided by the Foundation of FirstHealth with support from the Moore County Community Foundation. The Sandhills Striders running club is a major partner.

For a complete listing of fall series point totals and more information about sponsorship, registration or volunteer opportunities, visit sandhillsraceseries.com or contact Jodi Heimrich, SRS coordinator, at (910) 715-1843.