Channel Islands--It was a chilly morning, Sunday, December 12, as the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon brought runners out, ready to hit the streets for a good cause.
SANTA to the Sea is a nonprofit event that helps collect Christmas gifts and toys for underprivileged children in Ventura County.
The Half Marathon included a two-person relay, 5k, and 1k Kid’s Fun Run and a Costume contest, for all the races.
Santa to the Sea Sponsorship Coordinator Mary Ann Rooney said the event provides toys to kids in the Nyeland Acres area and provides funds for Oxnard College so people can realize the dream of a college education.
She said the in-person race was canceled in 2020, but they did hold a diaper dash and gave out over 4,000 diapers to Nyeland Acres’ residents.
“We provided a toy distribution that was socially distanced,” she said. “It’s nice to be back in person and to see everybody. People need the opportunity to get out and have fun. It’s outside, and there is plenty of space.”
She said the group’s sponsors were “extremely generous” in bringing the event back.
“There are about 1,900 runners,” she said.
The group collects its toys…
