Xplosive Fitness owner Che Cason was hoping that his first Reindeer Run 5K would draw in at least 100 runners. But with the rainy weather in the days leading up to the event and a cloudy morning start on Dec. 15, he was a bit nervous about the possible turnout.

As the sun peaked through the clouds and people lined up and warmed up for the inaugural run, Chason felt much better.

“We had 181 runners,” he said. “I think more people would have come out but they were afraid of the weather...with kids and family I think we had well over 200 people.”

Runners of all ages gathered at Bradwell Park dancing to the tunes from radio sponsors Throwback station, G-100 and All the Hits 98.3 in Savannah.

“I’m super excited about the turnout and how well it all went,” Cason said. “I think it was awesome and we are looking forward to a bigger turn out. There were a lot of first time 5K runners.”

Seeing that the community supported the run, Cason has already set the next 5K, The Shamrock Shuffle, for March 16. It will also feature a kid’s fun run 1K. Plans are also in the works for another 5K around the Fourth of July weekend.

“We will probably also incorporate winners for first and second place in different categories,” Cason said noting they didn’t do that for the Reindeer Run. But the fitness professional said that each and every runner who crossed the finish line earned a Reindeer Run medal.

“Everybody finished,” he said.

Cason said he was thankful to all the companies who sponsored and supported the event. He also thanked Liberty Regional EMS and the Hinesville Police Department and the officers who made sure the runners were always safe.

He added he is already optimistic about the next one.

“We are going to try and get better each run,” Cason said.

For more information on the Shamrock Shuffle visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/521614068321095/