HUNTINGTON -- Everyone was invited to participate in these reindeer games.

Covenant School in Huntington hosted its second annual Run, Run Rudolph 5K & Other Reindeer Games on Saturday morning at Pullman Square, complete with breakfast with Santa, ornament painting with The Pottery Place, a 5K through Huntington and games for kids of all ages.

"There are so many 5K races out there that are wonderful, but we wondered how we might put together something great, but with a little edge, something different," said Tom Bowen, Covenant School headmaster. "And, we still wanted to provide that opportunity for families to have fun together."

Bowen said the idea behind the community event was to not only help the school, located inside Christ Temple Church, but also others.

Last year, approximately 1,000 people participated in the inaugural Reindeer Games event, with 200 5K racers. This year, Bowen said 215 were registered for the 5K and race-day registrations pushed the final number up to 290.

The highlight for many was the face painting and carnival-style games near Pullman's move theater.

"Luckily, the weather today is great and this is a fun and different Christmastime activity to get the kids involved in," said Christina Roach of Ashland.

More than $12,000 was generated from last year's event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the school's scholarship program, with a portion donated to an area charity or organization. Last year's recipient was the Hoops Family Children's Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

"It's not just about ourselves, but giving back to our community," Bowen said.

Follow H-D reporter Beth Hendricks on Facebook or Twitter @BethHendricksHD.

National Video