Running for Hope. Running for Recovery. Running for Community.
The North Dakota Santa Run has a story rooted in compassion, recovery, and community spirit. Originally founded as the Bismarck Santa Run, the event was born from the vision of Judge David Reich, a longtime North Dakota District Judge who saw firsthand the struggles of those battling addiction. Motivated to make a difference, Judge Reich created Runners Against Destructive Decisions (RADD), a running group that uses movement, friendship, and purpose to support those in active recovery.
RADD began on a cold, sleety April morning in 2014 with a simple belief: Running can change your life. It became a supportive community for individuals in recovery, helping them set goals, build strength, and find encouragement on and off the trail. Today, RADD continues to meet every week, offering fellowship, accountability, and the reminder that positive steps — both literal and figurative — can lead to lasting change.
Seeking a way to bring the message of recovery into the holiday season, founders Judge Reich and his wife Ann introduced the Santa Run — a 5K event where every participant dons a Santa suit and runs through a winter wonderland of red suits and white beards. The run quickly became a local favorite, filling the streets with joy while shining a light on addiction recovery and the importance of community support.
In 2024, the Reich family entrusted the future of the event to the Mandan Progress Organization (MPO), ensuring the Santa Run would continue to thrive and grow as a cherished holiday tradition for both Mandan and Bismarck. Under MPO’s leadership, the North Dakota Santa Run remains deeply committed to its founding mission — raising awareness for addiction recovery and supporting organizations that make a difference in people’s lives.
Proceeds from the run will continue to benefit support Hope Manor a recovery-based housing and support program dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
The North Dakota Santa Run stands as a celebration of resilience, recovery, and the power of community. Together, we run for hope. We run for recovery. We run for North Dakota.
We’ll see you at the starting line.
