December 5 charity race benefits Crisis Response International, the Rock Hill nonprofit that trains and mobilizes volunteers to serve in times of crisis and disaster.
ROCK HILL, S.C. (October 30, 2026)- When disaster or crisis strikes, trained volunteers can make a difference for people whose lives have been turned upside down. This December, local runners and walkers can help put those volunteers in the field.
Crisis Response International (CRI), a disaster relief nonprofit headquartered in Rock Hill, will host the 3rd Annual 4.01K Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 5, at the Rock Hill Criterium Course. Presented by the Transamerica Foundation, the race brings together families, runners, businesses, churches, and community groups for a holiday morning that directly funds CRI’s response work.
A Local Organization With a Global Mission
Founded in 2007 by York County residents Sean and Laura Malone, CRI exists to train and mobilize people to meet the urgent physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in the midst of crisis.
Certified CRI Responders serve in communities across America and around the world, responding to all types of crises, including natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and conflict. Following Hurricane Helene, CRI spent three months serving the community around Asheville, North Carolina, helping people recover and rebuild after the devastating floodwaters swept through their homes and businesses.
Over the past two decades, CRI has trained more than 20,000 responders. Events like the Reindeer Run help make it possible for CRI to continue that mission. “When disaster strikes, families can’t wait for help,” said Sean Malone, CRI co-founder and CEO. “They need people who are trained, equipped, and ready to go, and that work happens long before a hurricane makes landfall. The Reindeer Run lets our own community stand behind those responders.”
An Opportunity for the Whole Community
The Reindeer Run includes a 4.01K run/walk, a 10K, and the Reindeer Relay for teams of four. Holiday costumes are encouraged, and the morning includes a kids costume contest, a giveaway, food, and music.
After the races, attendees can meet CRI responders and see the deployment equipment CRI teams take into the field.
Ordinary People Making an Extraordinary Difference
CRI’s responders serve around the world, but they all start out as everyday people from communities like ours. Residents can run in the Reindeer Run, give to help equip and send teams, or train to become a CRI Responder themselves. Businesses and organizations can partner with CRI to keep trained people and emergency supplies ready.
“Not everyone can deploy to a disaster zone, but everyone can play a part,” said Malone. “Whether you run, walk, give, or train as a responder, you’re helping someone show up for a family on one of the worst days of their life.”
Join the Reindeer Run on December 5
The 3rd Annual 4.01K Reindeer Run takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Rock Hill Criterium Course, 1307 Riverwalk Parkway, Rock Hill. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the first race starts at 9 a.m.
Race options include:
• 4.01K Run/Walk: A holiday-themed run or walk for all ages and paces.
• 10K: For runners who want more distance.
• Reindeer Relay: A four-person team event, great for businesses, churches, and groups of friends.
Race Registration:
Click here to sign up
Sponsorship Opportunities:
[email protected]
Learn More About CRI:
www.criout.com
About Crisis Response International
Crisis Response International (CRI) is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 and headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina. CRI trains and mobilizes volunteers to respond to crises and disasters across America and around the world. CRI Responders help meet urgent physical needs while caring for people facing loss, trauma, and uncertainty, sharing the hope of Jesus through their words and actions. Ordinary People. Extraordinary Response.
For more information, visit www.criout.com.
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Patrick Byrne lives in Tega Cay with his wife and two daughters. After 25 years working for a Big 4 bank, he retired to pursue his passion for writing. Additional articles and content can be found on his blog (reverian1776.blogspot.com) and freethepeople.org.
Patrick can be reach via email at [email protected]
