Riverhead to Host “Rudolph’s River Run” & Tree Lighting

The Town of Riverhead will hold an inaugural Rudolph’s River Run on Saturday, Dec. 3, in partnership with RaceAwesome.

This 4-mile holiday themed family-friendly walk/run will start at Tanger Factory Outlets in Riverhead, and travel east along the Peconic River before finishing in the Riverhead Town Square, which is soon to be developed as a focal point of downtown Riverhead. The race will also include a 1k run for children.

After the races, hot cocoa, chicken soup and roasted marshmallows will be available to race participants at the Town Square, followed by an awards ceremony.

The Riverhead Salvation Army will be collecting new, unwrapped toys from those who wish to donate. Later the same day, the First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will be held at the Town Square starting at 3:30 p.m.

The race will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Online registration is here.

“I believe these family friendly events, such as Rudolph’s River Run and the tree lightening ceremony, will be annual mainstays in Downtown Riverhead for many years to come,” said Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar. “I hope residents and visitors alike will participate in both events on Dec. 3 and continue to join us at many future events as our new Town Square continues to evolve.”

Georgica Green Ventures and RXR, the master developers for the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Riverhead Long Island Rail Road station, are the sponsors of the event.

“We hope that everyone in attendance has the opportunity to not only enjoy our beautiful downtown, but also support our local businesses,” said Riverhead Business Improvement Management Association Director Steve Shauger.

Riverhead’s annual holiday parade and bonfire will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, with the parade on Main Street at 3 p.m. and the bonfire beginning on the riverfront behind downtown at 4 p.m. The rain date is Dec. 17.