First Santa’s Downtown Dog Dash In Aiken – Photos and Recap

Saturday was the first Santa's Downtown Dog Dash in Aiken. The event was hosted by Downtown Dog, a locally owned pet store on Laurens Street. Funds from the event will benefit Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS Aiken).

The fun, festive event included a 5K race and a 1-mile dog walk. Various participants came out in their holiday attire, with some even bringing their four-legged friends to run or walk with them. Many of the dogs were even dressed for the occasion.

Each participant who registered early enough received a festive race shirt, and also a goody bag with a special dog treat and special offers from local businesses and sponsors of the event. At the end, runners received a Santa medal and enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate. For the dog participants, they received special treats along their route and at the finish line.

The race was set to start at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning in The Alley in Downtown Aiken. Racers arrived early to get warmed up, with temperatures in the 30s to start. Day of registration also brought in many participants for the event.

After a brief welcome and thanks from a FOTAS representative, the team at Strictly Running gave the countdown and the 5K racers were off! The course was a fairly flat, out-and-back course. Runners ran to the halfway point where a statue of Santa was waiting. They looped around Santa, grabbed some water, and headed back to the finish line.

For a first-time event, and on a cold morning, the turnout was great. From runners to the four-legged participants, it seems everyone enjoyed showing up to support an amazing, local cause with this fun, holiday-themed race. FOTAS Aiken is dedicated to helping homeless pets, and couldn't do so without the support of the community. FOTAS Aiken is dedicated to helping homeless pets, and couldn't do so without the support of the community.

Here's hoping for another Santa's Downtown Dog Dash in Aiken in 2025!