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The countdown is on to the annual Candyland Christmas Half Marathon and 5K.

The event is sponsored by the Andalusia Kiwanis Club and is set for Dec. 14, at 7:30 a.m., at Andalusia City Hall.

“This event is held in conjunction with Candyland, Andalusia, Alabama’s award-winning annual Christmas celebration,” said Jennifer O’Neal. “Our race route will wind through the Court Square and by Springdale and will feature kid-size cottages, a giant Christmas tree and snow. Candyland will feature an ice skating rink, trackless train, snow tubing and much more.”

O’Neal said that Santa and Mrs. Claus  will lead the events once again.

“In addition, finishers’ medals, which can double as Christmas tree ornaments, will be given to all participants,” she said. “We will give out awards for overall age and categories, water stations and best costume.”

O’Neal invites everyone to Andalusia to run the race and enjoy the rest of the day at Candyland.

“This will be a great way to celebrate Christmas with the family with an opportunity to take your Christmas photos,” she said. “

Runners who register by Nov. 27 are guaranteed a T-shirt. All net proceeds from the race will be distributed to the local county and city schools’ running teams, which are underfunded, she said.

Those who wish to register may do so at runsignup.com or those who need a paper form my get one by messaging the event’s Facebook, at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce and the CCB Community Bank.

For more information, call O’Neal at 334-488-6333, Darrin O’Neal at 208-7816 or Don Cotton at 804-4010.

Sponsorships are available, she said.

“We have 170 runners registered as of now, which is the total number of runners we had on race day last year,” O’Neal said. “This year’s race will be bigger and better than ever. We have people coming from multiple states, even as far away as New York.”