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Instead of running from store to store this holiday season, people are lacing up their running shoes and participating in holiday runs all over the Twin Cities.

Each winter people have the chance to get active by signing up with family and friends, and even running in a Santa suit or reindeer antlers.

Junior Mackenzie Evenson said she loves wearing costumes for holiday runs every winter with her family.

“My family and I enjoy dressing up as characters from the Grinch,” Evenson said. “My dad is Santa, my mom is the Grinch, and I’m Cindy Lou Who.”

Kelly Donahue is the regional brand manager for the Turkey Day 5k. She said holiday runs are a tradition for most families and year after year the runs develop a stronger customer base. Thousands of families choose to participate in a healthy activity with their family on what is traditionally a day filled with overeating and lounging on couches, Donahue said.

“We’ve truly managed to create an event that people truly consider part of their family traditions and for me that is extremely important,” Donahue said.

For the past two years, junior Abby Melbye has participated in the Turkey Trot along with her mom, sister and extended family.

“We are trying to start a family tradition of running the race every Thanksgiving. Not only is the run a blast but I also enjoy how you don’t feel so bad eating a Thanksgiving feast after the race,” Melbye said.

Mary Anstett is the event director of the Snowshoe Shuffle, the biggest annual snowshoe run in Minnesota.

Last year, nearly 250 snowshoers trekked through the woods, frozen lake and meadows of Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton, Minnesota. The run features a 10k and two 5ks, one of which is a dog friendly event where people can walk with their canine companions.

Freshman Izzy Leviton said she thinks that holiday runs are great activity for family and friends to do.

“I think (holiday runs) are a fun and good way to celebrate the holiday and a great way to get everyone involved,” Leviton said.

The run continues to draw a huge crowd of competition every year, according to Anstett.

“We often get some pretty serious competitors everywhere from 85 to 10 years old,” Anstett said.

The 10th Annual Twin Cities Snowshoe Shuffle will take place Saturday, February 7th at Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton. Registration for students is $20.

Complete your list of new year’s resolutions by participating in the 30th annual Resolution Run.

Brandon Fox is the race director for all of the Resolution Runs that take place in Minnesota and Iowa and facilitates each run to make sure they have the support they need to be successful.

“We plan a course for each location, facilitate registrations, distribute Resolution Run jackets to each location and find enough volunteers to ensure the race will run smoothly,” Fox said.

The Resolution Run is a 5k that is welcome to all age groups and skill levels. This is not a competitive race so people can walk or run the course. After the race there are snacks and beverages and participants get a chance to draw prizes.

“This is a great way to kick off the New Year with family and friends,” Fox said.

The Resolution Run is a way for students to exercise this holiday season and gives students an opportunity to volunteer.

“High schoolers can either run the race or they can volunteer at any of our locations,” Fox said.

Resolution Runs take place in Apple Valley, Maple Grove, Rochester and Woodbury Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 Participants receive a jacket when they sign up for the race. Registration costs $40.

Charities Challenge will be hosting the 9th annual Christmas Day Joyful 5k and the 6th annual New Year’s Eve Hopeful 5k. Run or walk around Como Lake and enjoy free hot beverages and snacks after each race. The Christmas Day Joyful 5k will take place Thursday, December 25th at Como Lake in St. Paul. The race begins at 10 a.m. Registration costs $32. The New Year’s Eve Hopeful 5k will take place Wednesday, December 31st at Como Lake in St. Paul. The race begins at 3 p.m. Registration is $30. Registration for both races will increase on December 21st.