Santa Speedo Run Streaks Through Midtown Saturday

For Saturday’s jog through Midtown, organizers have selected Kate’s Club, an organization that empowers children and teens facing life after the death of a parent or sibling.

For more than a decade, Kate’s Club has been the leading organization in metro Atlanta that provides long-term therapeutic and recreational support for grieving children. 

The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run hopes to raise $100,000 for Kate’s Club with the 2013 run.

On Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., runners will take their positions at the starting line for the scantily clad scramble along the approximate one-mile course that starts and ends at Hudson Grille, located at 942 Peachtree Street.

Following the chilly (and possibly very wet) dash, participants will return to Hudson Grille for a celebration, prize giveaways and award ceremony.

“For five years, the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run has been a unique feature of the city’s holiday festivities,” said event organizer Ted Tuerk in a news release.  “The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run isn’t just about having a good time. ...  With Kate’s Club as our beneficiary this year, we know all our fundraising will go to help children dealing with the loss of a family member.”

All race participants are required to raise a minimum $250 in support of Kate’s Club. Wearing a Speedo (or similar attire) is also required and runners are encouraged to accessorize with holiday themed flair such as Santa hats, beards, stockings and other festive accents. 

Since its inception, the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run has raised more than $300,000 for various charities. Past recipients have included: Bert’s Big Adventure, Camp Twin Lakes, CHRIS Kids and CURE Childhood Cancer. 

The Atlanta Santa Speedo run is the second largest event of its type in the country.