Santa Clauses coming to town

December 09, 2018 11:00 pm • Last Updated: December 10, 2018 7:25 am

By Sarah Gordon
Staff Photographer

Over 600 participants in Santa suits move up Bank Street during the Run for a Claus race on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in New London. The Hartford Marathon Foundation organized the 2.5 mile run with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Covenant Shelter of New London. (Sarah Gordon/The Day)
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Over 600 participants joined in the Hartford Marathon Foundation's inaugural New London Run for a Claus race on Sunday, December 9, 2018. The 2.5 mile run, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Covenant Shelter of New London, started on Bank St. and proceeded to Fort Trumbull and back downtown.

A half-mile fur run will for children aged 2-11 preceeded the main event.

The race is part of HMF's new HO HO HOliday series, a three-race challenge that included the Norwich Winterfest 5K on Dec. 1 and the Blue Back Mitten Run in West Hartford on Dec. 2. Each event benefits a community organization and has a donation drive. Series participants receive a holiday ornament in addition to swag at each event.

Entry in the race includes a complete Santa suit and a post-race party at Hot Rod Cafe.

Nancy Mello Miller, center, of Mystic and her daughter Helen Miller, 8, dance in an attempt to keep warm before the Run for a Claus race on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in New London. Over 600 participants joined in the Hartford Marathon Foundation 2.5 mile run with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Covenant Shelter of New London. (Sarah Gordon/The Day)
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Eunsil Kim, left, and Wooyoung Jung, both visiting from New York, take a selfie before the Run for a Claus race on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in New London. Over 600 participants joined in the Hartford Marathon Foundation 2.5 mile run with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Covenant Shelter of New London. (Sarah Gordon/The Day)
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Participants sprint past the Custom House Maritime Museum during the Run for a Claus race on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in New London. Over 600 participants joined in the Hartford Marathon Foundation 2.5 mile run with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Covenant Shelter of New London. (Sarah Gordon/The Day)
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Peter, center, and Kathie Schultz, of Montville, take photos and cheer on their granddaughter from the sidelines during the Run for a Claus race on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in New London. Over 600 participants joined in the Hartford Marathon Foundation 2.5 mile run with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Covenant Shelter of New London. (Sarah Gordon/The Day)
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