In one month, a festive throng of pajama-clad runners and walkers will converge upon Las Vegas Motor Speedway for an event unlike any other.
The 1.5-mile speedway will host the seventh annual PJ 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk through Glittering Lights, a wildly popular fundraising event hosted by the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, on Sunday, Nov. 24. Participants are invited to run, walk or push strollers through the course in their favorite pajamas, and the more colorful and unique, the better.
Last year's event featured more than 3,000 participants, doubling the previous record and helping raise a considerable donation for area children in need. Registration is set for 3 p.m. Pacific Time, with the race starting at 4:30 p.m. Those who register early can pick up their entry packets at GameWorks at Town Square from 3-7 p.m. on Nov. 22.
"We were blown away by last year's record crowd of more than 3,000, and we're looking to break the record again this year," SCC-Las Vegas Chapter Director Paulette Anderson said. "This event definitely puts the fun in fundraiser, and it's a great way for the community to come together for some exercise, joy and fellowship. We urge everyone to put on their pajamas and join us on the 24th!"
Glittering Lights is Nevada's largest drive-through Christmas light show and features millions of LED lights and hundreds of sparkling light displays. Anyone who brings a new pair of children's PJs to donate will have a chance to win two tickets to the 2020 Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Weekend at LVMS, which runs Feb. 21-23, and participants donated more than 350 pairs of pajamas at last year's event.
Entry fees range from $15-$35, and children age 5 and under can participate for free. Participants can register in advance online or by contacting Paulette Anderson at 702-917-6493 or [email protected]. Anyone interested in participating also may register on-site on the day of the event beginning at 3 p.m. for an extra $10.
Everyone who signs up will receive a race bib, an event medal and cookies and milk, and awards will be given to the best overall female and best overall male. There will also be plenty of raffle prizes available, live entertainment and appearances by the UNLV POM Team, area mascots and even Santa Claus himself.
The SCC PJ 5K is sponsored by LVMS, Big Valley Towing, Nostalgia Street Rods, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Klai Juba Wald Architects, Glittering Lights and Sunny 106.5. Funds raised will help local children with social, medical, physical and financial needs, and all money raised by SCC stays in Southern Nevada.
Founded in 1982 by Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., the mission of Speedway Children's Charities is simple but important: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. Since its inception in 1999, the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities has granted nearly $3 million to local children's causes throughout Southern Nevada.
Last December, the local chapter of SCC granted more than $260,000 to 60 local children's charities. Additional information on the charity can be found at the charity's website.
