12/09/2019- Don’t be surprised if you spot a scantily clad Santa or two running through Marinette this weekend. Runners and walkers will hit the pavement Saturday for the second annual Da Santa Speedo 5K benefiting the River Cities Community Pool and the DAR Boys and Girls Club. Kasey Eisch-Ermis with the RCCP says it’s a precursor to the annual Da Yooper Plunge and both fundraisers are vitally important to keeping the doors at both agencies open to serve the community and residents of all ages.
“This is what keeps our pool operational. We have over 200 members that come and enjoy our pool and many of them receive free memberships through their insurance company, so this kind of offsets our costs. It also helps to give the DAR free swim lessons every summer. We’re looking at roughly 150 kids that we give free swim lessons to and it’s so important that kids are just familiar with water and know the safety. We really pride ourselves on giving great swim lessons at River Cities Community Pool.”
Before the run begins, a CardioStix warm-up class will be offered, and cookies, coffee, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on site, as well. Eisch-Ermis says, as the name suggests, costumes are highly encouraged.
“We want people to get creative and show off their best holiday attire. Speedos are optional, but last year we had Christmas socks, garland tutus, ugly Christmas sweaters- you name it, we had it last year. So, yes, we’re definitely encouraging dressing up.”
Pre-registration for Da Santa Speedo 5K is $25 and can be completed by stopping in at the RCCP or emailing rivercitiescommunitypool@yahoo.com. Day-of registration costs $30 and begins at 8:30 Saturday morning. Warm-up events start at 9 a.m. and the 5K kicks off at 10.