North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years
By Ruben Lowman
It’s that time of year again.
The air is getting chilly and the roads are beginning to thin out just a bit. The holidays are pleasantly upon us.
A growing part of the annual holiday tradition for locals has become the city’s events held at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex.
The Dashing Through the Glow Two-Mile Fun Run/Walk is quickly becoming the unofficial kick-off for the annual festivities in the area. This year’s event will be held on Friday, Nov. 19, and starts at 7 p.m. with participants needing to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start.
The walk/run is a very special and fun event for participants for a couple of reasons, said NMB Special Events and Program Director Angel Sylvester.
“Dashing Through the Glow is the only way you can walk/run through the Great Christmas Light Show. It’s a kick off to The Great Christmas Light Show, the drive thru experience,” Sylvester said. “Whether you walk it or run it, it’s a great way to see the lights. It has become a tradition for many as a way to kick off their holidays and get into the Christmas spirit. There’s something special about those lights that make all ages feel the magic of Christmas.”
The event is hosted jointly by the city and the NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center, with a $25 entry fee for adults and $10 for children ages 11 and under.
A runner’s bib and finisher’s medal are included in the entry fee and children in strollers may participate with a paying adult at no cost.
The city’s event organizers encourage participants to get into the spirit on race day by wearing holiday-themed outfits, with the best dressed individual and family/group being awarded with prizes.
The aquatic center’s director, Melinda Chappell, was enthused about this year’s event being held after all the hard work put in by everyone involved.
“The NMB Aquatic & Fitness Center is excited to be able to partner with NMB Parks & Recreation to offer such a fun, festive event,” Chappell said.
“It is a great way to kick off the holidays and supports our mission to be active and healthy even during the holidays.”
Last year’s event was slightly curtailed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Sylvester said she was looking forward to getting back to a more normal event with closer to the usual amount of participants partaking in the festivities.
“We’ve had to limit the number of participants because it was getting too big. In 2019 we had close to 1000 participate. We did have it in 2020 with some restrictions and limited it to 500 and it filled up pretty quickly. This year we are limiting it to 750 and already getting close to being sold out,” Sylvester said.
There are several after-event activities that are typically held that were altered last year to limit interactions and curb the spread of COVID-19. Several of these activities will return this year for participants, but spectators will not be permitted entry. Sylvester explained the activities that participants can expect to see this year.
“The walk/run will end at Santa’s Village where everyone will enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and some of the activities. The train will not be running due to the course being closed for the walk/run,” Sylvester said.
“Participants will be able to visit with Santa, check out our new Chris-maze, take lots of pictures and enjoy the Rockin’ Christmas Tree.”
Participants can pick up their bibs beginning next week at the sports complex’s administrative building. Days and times of pickup will be Tuesday, Nov. 16, and Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Great Christmas Light Show, one of the premier holiday attractions in the area, will begin a few days after the walk/run. Sylvester gave an update on how the progress was going and a few special details.
“The lights are about 85% up. Our crew has been working nonstop. The Great Christmas Light Show opens November 22 and will run until December 30, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day only,” Sylvester explained. “Santa’s Village will open Thursdays through Sundays only starting Nov. 26 through Dec. 12 and nightly Dec. 16-30. Admission is $15 per vehicle when Santa’s Village is closed and $20 per vehicle when Santa’s Village is open.
“Every year we make the show bigger and better. New lights, new animations and new experiences. Along with adding some new displays, we’ve added to the synchronized musical lights. That seems to be a favorite of everyone!
“We’ve also added something pretty special to the train ride. Passengers are in for a real treat this year… it’ll make you want to ride it over and over again,” Sylvester concluded.
