Powered by the Mandan Progress Organization
The HOPE in the Santa Run
The North Dakota Santa Run originates from the work of Judge David Reich, a longtime North Dakota District Judge that often found himself handling the cases of those struggling with addiction. Moved with compassion to help those recovering from addiction, Judge Reich created Runners Against Destructive Decisions (RADD), a running group formed to help those in active recovery deal with their addiction and other destructive decisions, and to increase awareness of addiction issues in our community.
RADD started on a sleety day in April of 2014 and quickly proved that RUNNING CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Running brought health benefits, strength and activity to those in recovery. It helped them set and achieve goals, meet new friends and regularly encounter a fun and supportive environment.
To this day, RADD continues helping those on the path to recovery. The group meets every Saturday:
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@ 7:30 AM in Sertoma Park at Shelter 7 from May to October
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@ 8:00 AM in the YMCA from November to April
The group also typically provides a light breakfast and social opportunities following most Saturday runs and encourages participates to run 3 days a week.
RADD remains open to any of those who need it and currently celebrates its growing list of success stories, showing that the simple act of putting on running shoes, can lead to powerful changes.
"Holiday Steps and Holiday Cheer that brings awareness to the disease of addiction and supports those on the path of recovery
The
Santa Run
After beginning RADD Judge David Reich and his wife Ann sought to bring a holiday twist to the program, finding a way to raise awareness for addiction and recovery while fostering a fresh and festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Their idea, a 5k where each participant would receive their own Santa suit and run through a festive course while surrounded by red suits and white beards as far as the eye could see. It was a genius idea that has fostered over a decade of joy, community spirit and focus on the awareness of addiction and importance of providing a proper recovery.
In 2024, Judge Reich and his wife Ann passed the North Dakota Santa Run Torch to the Mandan Progress Organization, where it intends to grow and honor the great work of Judge Reich and bring increased awareness to RADD, addiction and recovery. Funds raised from the North Dakota Santa Run continue to and will forever be directed to helping those affected by addiction and those in recovery.
The North Dakota Santa Run will continue on for many years to come as a great way to spread holiday cheer and bring awareness to the important but difficult topic of addiction recovery.
This year's funds will be directed to HOPE Manor, an addiction and recovery organization located in The Hub with a core focus on those who struggle with alcoholism as well as other addictions. To support this year's Santa Run be sure to sign up, or consider becoming a sponsor of this heartwarming and stigma changing experience.
We'll see you at the starting line.
2025 DONOR PARTNER
