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Leesburg -- The Mistletoe Trot 5K and 10K Race was created by Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) more than two decades ago to give local runners a race on their home turf and bring good health and holiday cheer to the Leesburg community.

Each year, proceeds from the event benefit the Community Medical Care Center in Leesburg, a non-profit organization offering primary care, specialty care, chronic disease management and dental care for a segment of the community that might otherwise do without necessary medical care.

"Last year's race raised $4,500 for the Community Medical Care Center and our goal is to increase that gift in 2018," said John Bowers, Manager of Wellness Services at LRMC.

2018 marks the 23rd running of the Mistletoe Trot since its inception in 1995. Like the city it calls home, the Mistletoe Trot has grown and improved in remarkable ways over the years. "We've had hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers from all over Central Florida attend this family-friendly event," continued Bowers. "This year we have some great giveaways. We will be raffling off two new Fitbit activity trackers, some Publix gift cards and more."

The race will be held Saturday, December 8 at 8 a.m. on the campus of Lake Sumter State College in Leesburg. Participants will run or walk around beautiful Silver Lake. Early bird registration is available online at mistletoetrot5k10k.itsyourrace.com for $20. The registration fee will increase to $25 after November 16. Race-day registration will be available from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. on December 8 for $30. The first 150 pre-registered participants will be guaranteed a free event t-shirt!

New this year, participants are invited to early packet pick-up to avoid the lines on the morning of the race. Stop by the LRMC Wellness Center at 700 N. Palmetto Street in
Leesburg on December 6 or 7 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day to pick up your official race packet and t-shirt.

To learn more call (352) 323-5640.