Park Palic, in cooperation with Local Community Palic, supported the Ultramarathon Association of Serbia, and helped the organization of traditional 19th Santa Claus Race. The race was held on Sunday, December 10, in front of the Grand Terrace in Palic. As in the previous years, the competitors had to walk the track, about 1600 meters long, at least once. In a race full of smiles and joy, they all were winners. There was no age limit, so the only condition of participation was Santa’s costume or Santa’s cap, as well as a good mood.
Santa himself attended the race, and awarded each participant with a medal. After the race, the youngest could take a picture with Santa, or even make some New Year’s wishes.
Santa Claus Race additional program – Palic 2017
Within the free additional program, an exhibition of children’s artwork took place in the Great Hall of the Great Terrace. All little artists were rewarded, and the best ones were given special gifts. The youngest could also enjoy a creative workshop, organized by the private pre-school institution „Školica“, as well as the New Year’s play of the Children’s Theater. After the race, all competitors and visitors could refresh themselves with warm tea or cooked wine and bread with grease and red pepper, which surely brought back some childhood memories for them.
When the first Santa Claus Race was held, in 1998, only nine competitors took part, few primary school pupils, and a couple of members of the Ultramarathon Club „Achiles“ from Palić. As modest reword, children were given Santa Claus shaped chocolate. The very next year, there was 50 participants. From year to year the number of racers grew, and over 500 competitors ran the jubilee 10th race. As the number of competitors grew, the length of the route that the racers had to cross increased. The former 300 meter long course along the lake is now expanded and rounded up, so while passing through the foreseen path, you can truly enjoy the beauty of Palić. Today, 19 years later, this event recognizes and visits over 2000 participants and competitors. The organizers, and Park Palić as co-organizer, are very proud, as the goal of this entertaining, sports and recreational manifestation is to strengthen the sport spirit, as well as the beginning of the New Year’s holidays celebration.
