Good morning and Happy Holidays! This will most likely be the final note of 2021 after a busy stretch of Stryders activities. Thanks to all who came out for the annual Jingle Bell Run and Grand Prix Awards last weekend at the Warming Hut; as you can see from the photos everyone was in a festive mood. Congrats to all the prize winners and thanks again to all the volunteers for 2021.

Just a few notes, leftover items and reminders as head speed toward the end of the year and prep for 2022.

• We raised $700 in cash donations from the Holiday Party and made a 50-50 contribution to the Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga-Code Blue.

• Don’t forget your face covering if you plan to head into Whitman Brewing after the Wednesday Night Run, they are following state guidelines. Also, please note that Whitman will be closed from Jan. 3-13 so Wednesday Night runners and walkers will need an alternative location for post-activity refreshment. The run will still commence from the brewery, 20 Lake Avenue, those Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

 • The Stryders are teaming up with the Roundabout Runners and Clifton Park Beer Runners for a “Keep Your Resolution Run” at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 2 at Unified Beerworks in Malta. Choose your distance – 5K, 10K and Half Marathon routes will be mapped and marked – and start the New Year with other runners from local clubs.

Here’s the upcoming schedule:

• Wednesday Night Downtown Runs (Dec. 22 and 29). 6 p.m. Start/finish at Whitman Brewing, 20 Lake Avenue. Masks required if you go inside the brewery. Don’t forget reflective gear, headlamps, taillights, etc. You’ll need to find parking nearby, be mindful that the lot at 20 Lake Avenue is a private pay-per-day lot, so street parking or the Woodlawn garage might be your best options.

• Saturday Run/Walk (Dec. 25, Jan. 1) – 8:30 a.m. at the Warming Hut at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Don’t expect coffee or donuts on Christmas morning … and who knows if the Warming Hut will be open.

• Sunday Long Run – Dec. 25 No Run. Merry Christmas. Jan. 2: Keep Your Resolution Run. 11:30 a.m. at Unified Beerworks in Malta (see above).

Have a great week. See you in 2022!

Tom Law