Reindeer Run raises money for Desert Junior and Senior High sports Published Dec. 21, 2011 By Wendy Clouse Edwards Officers Spouse Club EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Nearly 200 runners of all ages enjoyed cool temperatures and sunny skies for the 3rd Annual Reindeer 5K Race and Fun Run Dec. 7. The event raised nearly $2,000 to support the self-funded sports programs at Desert Junior and Senior High School. The race was sponsored by the Edwards Officers Spouses Club. Participants traversed the 3.1-mile course, which began at the new paved desert trail across from Starbucks, continued on various roadways and finished behind Starbucks with dinner waiting for each participant. A shorter 1.5-mile route was provided for moms with children in strollers or anyone choosing a shorter route. Giannini Bistro & Grill in Lancaster, Guido's Pizza and Pasta, and Jesse's Pizza in Rosamond donated food for the event. Desserts were donated by members of the Edwards Officers Spouses Club. Although the Reindeer Run was for fun, event organizers say, they would like to recognize first-place runners in the following categories: 18-and-Over Male: Matt Wroten; 18-and-Over Female: Jennifer Azzano; 13-17 Male: Charles Dobbins; 12-and-Under Male: Steven Azzano; 12-and-Under Female: Keagan Schwab. Adults and teens were given commemorative T-shirts, while children aged 12 years and younger received reindeer antler headbands. Soccer, cross country, and wrestling are among the self-funded high school sports programs at Desert, with tennis and golf to be added for the 2012-2013 school year. Junior high sports are also self-funded.