The University of Missouri-Rolla Residence Hall Association hopes to spread Christmas cheer a few weeks early with the 10th annual “Reindeer Romp,” a five-kilometer race held on the UMR campus.

The 2005 Reindeer Romp will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in Thomas Jefferson Residence Hall, 202 West 18th Street in Rolla. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and there is no cost for participation.

“People can compete in teams of four, and if you don’t have a team, you can either compete individually or ask to be placed on one,” says event coordinator Amanda Farr of St. Peters, Mo., a senior in applied mathematics and electrical engineering. “There are trophies and prizes for the first, second and third place teams, including gift certificates to Applebee’s and Slice of Pie. There are also prizes for individual runners.”

Team award rankings are not just based on race performance. “There’s a scoring system for teams, which scores runners based on the Christmas spirit of their outfits and other Christmas paraphernalia,” Farr says. “Points are awarded to those who wear Reindeer Romp shirts from past years, or compete in Santa suits, Christmas clothing, elf ears, Christmas lights and other assorted Christmas articles.”

After the race, free hot chocolate and donuts will be available to all participants. Event T-shirts will be sold for $10.

For more information on buying a T-shirt or participating in the 2005 Reindeer Romp, contact Farr at Amanda.Farr@mst.edu.