Michael Pharis is seeing red—but he’s not the least bit mad. In December, his thoughts turn to scarlet-suited Santas—lots of them, large and small, young and older, bobbing along or swiftly cycling through the streets of Colorado Springs—and he lights up like a Christmas tree. 

Pharis is the organizer of the Springs’ annual Chasing Santa 5K/Cycling Santa Toy Drive, a holiday tradition with a charity angle that’s as delightful as it is distinctive.

Before founding the event, Pharis, a former electrician, volunteered at other events and realized he wanted to start his own event company. His wife Anne encouraged him to pursue it.

Pharis enlisted the help of business consultant Patti Serrano, 78, and the two became fast friends. 

With Serrano’s advice as a springboard, Pharis created Leave Your Mark Events in 2010, a business devoted to organizing and marketing running, cycling and corporate events with a mission. 

GOOD CHEER & CHARITY

Each of Pharis’s events has a charity or nonprofit component. 

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run, benefiting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, inspired him to bring a similar event to Colorado Springs. Its first run was in 2012. Like its desert counterpart, Chasing Santa helps those in need but with a different focus.

Michael Pharis proudly displays collected toys that will be donated to Christmas Unlimited.

 “What we’re good at is collecting toys, which we give to Christmas Unlimited,” Pharis said. 

The 101-year-old local nonprofit stores toys and school supplies in a large warehouse where adults can shop for children in need. 

Proceeds from each racer’s entry fee fund a raffle. 

“Since it’s the Christmas season, we feel like we should give back too,” he said. 

Raffle prizes include Starbucks gift cards, running shoes and Christmas ornaments.

Prizes and giving to those in need are highlights, but the best part of the event may be the chance to connect with friends and family.

Pharis recalled a young woman who attended with her two kids and her father. 

“They had a strained relationship, but during the race, they had a great time reuniting, reconnecting and rebuilding,” said Pharis.

All ages and abilities participate. Some of the most enthusiastic are students from Grandmaster Sterling Chase’s martial arts studio, DuMyon. 

Chase, 65, has taught martial arts for 45 years and specializes in differently abled students, including those with autism, PTSD and other physical considerations. His students, including seniors, walk or run at their own pace.

The first year Chase brought three students. 

“One of them walked so fast, her provider wasn’t able to keep up with her, and he climbs fourteeners!” he said. 

A SEA OF SANTAS

The cheery crimson costumes add to the festive atmosphere. Every racer receives a Santa suit with a hat, beard, jacket, pants and belt, available in sizes from toddler to adult XXXL. 

Kerry Page, 56, stops for a photo op with her Chihuahua/miniature poodle mix, Oliver.

 Some participants, like Kerry Page, 56, add their own personal touches. Last year Page and Isabelle, her Chihuahua/miniature poodle mix, dressed as the Grinch. Before that, her Chihuahua Oliver sported his own miniature Santa suit. Even without added flair, the Santa suits create a festive spectacle, filling the streets with miles of smiles.

“When all you see is waves of Santas, it just takes your breath away,” Page said.

It also makes for a perfect Christmas card photo. 

The race is focused on making spirits bright, rather than earning bragging rights. 

“It’s not about how fast you are or how good you look when you run,” Page said. “It’s about having fun.” 

The race isn’t timed, and participants aren’t separated by age group, allowing youngsters and seniors alike to set a comfortable pace. That’s not to say friendly competition doesn’t arise now and then.

SLEIGHING THE COMPETITION

Serrano began running at age 41, inspired after seeing a woman in her 70s running and deciding she wanted to be active at that age, too.

Now well into her 70s, Serrano has continued to run, even completing the famous Carlsbad 5000 this past April. She credits her success to setting realistic goals and encourages her clients to adopt what she calls the “quarterback mindset,” moving forward one yard at a time. 

“We can make the choice to be healthy, vibrant seniors. It just takes choices, changes and commitments,” said Serrano. 

Serrano understands, however, the challenges of staying the course. During the height of the pandemic, she gained 60 pounds. Instead of committing to losing it all at once, she set a goal to lose one pound each week. By the year’s end, she had dropped 52 pounds.

Page also set a goal when she completed her first marathon in 2004—a “crazy midlife crisis goal,” as she calls it. She continued running and co-founded Jack Quinn’s Running Group, a family-friendly group that, like Chasing Santa, prioritizes camaraderie over competition. In 2023, it was named Best Running Club of the Springs.

Curtis Claar, 57, became a runner by accident. After experiencing calf pain, he visited a running store and tried on a pair of shoes. 

“All my friends said, ‘You’re a runner’ just because I was wearing running shoes,” said Claar.

Feeling the pressure, he started running and eventually completed triathlons and 10Ks. He helped organize a 5K race called Hams and Hamstrings, an Easter event that awards each finisher a ham. It was there that he met Pharis. 

“I helped Pharis with his race, and he helped with mine,” Claar said. The two have collaborated ever since, bringing people together through physical activity. 

Runners shouldn’t have all the jolly rosy-suited fun. Cyclists can choose from 6-, 10- and 21-mile courses designed by Torie Griffin from the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, with waffles and hot chocolate awaiting those who tackle the longest route.

The race location changes yearly to ensure it stays fresh for repeat racers. This year’s event starts on Mark Dabling Boulevard.

“Imagine going to the Oscars and seeing the movie you worked on win Best Director, Best Set Design, best of everything,” said Claar. “That’s what it feels like being involved in Chasing Santa. Even during colder years with a smaller crowd, it always turns out to be a race to remember.”