Throughout Europe, Sankt Nikolaus is known as the protector of children. Every year, he gives gifts to the needy and well-behaved children. For the past three years, the German Heritage Society has brought this tradition to Indiana through the Sankt Nikolaus Day Lauf 5k & 5 mile run.

The Sankt Nikolaus Day Lauf 5k & 5 mile run will be held on Saturday, December 3 at the Athenaeum in downtown Indianapolis. Participants are encouraged to dress up in holiday apparel in the spirit of Sankt Nikolaus.

“One unique aspect to this event is that Ruprecht, the companion to Sankt Nikolaus, chases down the slow runners and places stickers on them when he catches them,” said Race Director, Brian Griesemer.
The Sankt Nikolaus race, sponsored by the German Heritage Society and Eli Lilly and Company, is raising money for local non-profits that benefit the children of Indiana.

This year, the proceeds will go to the Riley Hospital for Children, the Cancer Center, the Greater Indianapolis YMCA “Y for All” Campaign, Lutheran Child and Family services, and Girls on the Run Program.

Join the German Heritage Society and Planet Adventure by signing up online at RaceMyPlanet.com. Prizes and gift certificates will be awarded after the race at the Rathskeller Bier Garten!
The German Heritage Society is a non-profit organization that promotes education in German and German-American studies and seeks to help others develop an appreciation for German contributions to Indiana.

This year, the St. Nikolaus race is also celebrating the “Do-Deutsch Program” which involves the German Embassy honoring German language teachers and their students at high schools and colleges across America.

By Caitlin Berger