Kicking off the holiday season in Waxhaw with a celebration of holiday cheer and accomplishment was its 9thannual GingerSnap 5k, held last Saturday, December 1st.  The event has gotten increasingly bigger each year, and was expected to break previous participation records.

For Event Director, Jill Connelly, this race has not only become a beloved tradition, but has also made a huge impact on the local community.

“We love seeing how many families come out each and every year to participate and complete the challenge of a 5k together,” states Connelly.

The course this year began and ended at West North Main Street in front of Tangles Knitting Shop, and was mapped out to be a fast and flat race, heading all the way up Main Street and back down again, perfect for the newbie runner and seasoned vet, alike.

The GingerSnap 5K is sponsored by a host of area businesses including Cigna, Novant Health, the Town of Waxhaw, Union Power, Seretta Construction, Potter & Company, Dembek Realty, Atlantic Oral, Implant and Facial Surgery, Academy Sports and Outdoors, and Chick Fil A.  Proceeds from registration sales benefit Girls on the Run of Union County, an organization committed to making physical fitness and camaraderie accessible to, and inclusive of, all young girls, in grades 3-8.

Event participants came, decked out in tutus, elf and Santa hats, and general yuletide regalia, all ready to put their best foot forward, quite literally!

Race winners were Carissa Kundich for the women, with a time of 23:38.18 and Ediberto Crisanto for the men, time of 17:08.03.

Local Waxhaw resident Cara Nirenberg has been participating in this race with her three daughters for the last five years, as all have been Girls on the Run club members at one point in time.  She says, “The program has provided my girls with such confidence and support from their teammates and coaches!  It’s just been a special time to be together as a family, and support our young ladies in the community.”

Congrats to all participants!