09-25-2013
12k's of Christmas wins ARIZONA EVENT OF THE YEAR!
The 12k's of Christmas wins ARIZONA EVENT OF THE YEAR Award! When compared to festivals and events like rodeos, culinary events, beer festivals, concerts, street fairs, and community events, running events don’t usually make it to the top. That makes it all the more-special that the 12k’s of Christmas®, held each year in Gilbert, Arizona, is the winner of the Arizona Event of the Year Award, presented by the Arizona Festivals & Events Association at their 19th annual APS AzTEC Awards luncheon on Friday September 20th.
The International Festival and Events Association-endorsed AzTEC Awards Competition recognizes outstanding examples of festival and event production and promotion in the State of Arizona. A critical component of successful events are their abilities to distinguish themselves in the most attractive and innovative ways possible.
AzTEC judges look at all facets of the event - the activities, marketing & promotion, event programming, economic impact, volunteer & community programs, and sponsor integration - and found the 12’s of Christmas outstanding in all areas.
“We are overjoyed to receive such an honor” said Darryl Toupkin, producer of the 12k’s of Christmas. “My wife and I started this event four years ago because we wanted to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, we love to run, and we wanted to do an event to help the animals. It is gratifying to be recognized by our peers in the event community, especially for a running event that is produced by a two-person company, not a municipality or large event production company.”
In addition to winning the Arizona Event of the Year Award, the 12’s of Christmas© also won Best Merchandise for the event t-shirt and Best Kid’s Element for all of the ways that this event reaches out to youth in the community.
Darryl Toupkin, owner of FieldWorks Events & Marketing Inc., has been active in the Arizona event community for 23 years, producing a number of community events including the Rotary River Rally and Tempe’s Oktoberfest, both AzTech Outstanding Event of the Year winners.
After helping initiate runs at both of these events, Toupkin transformed FieldWorks into a running event company. In addition to the 12k’s of Christmas, Toupkin currently produces Kiss Me I’m Irish Run℠, RedNeck Run℠, Chasing the Sun 7k/5k & Health Fair, and Cinco de Miler.
09-11-2022
MCCAC
Today, the Elf Dude presented MCCAC a check for $2,292 for the Christmas in July promotion. He made the presentation in person at the Board of Supervisors meeting and presented the check to JAX - an adorable adoptable doggie! Thanks to everyone for your support and special thanks to everyone that adopts a pet from the shelter or a rescue.
02-24-2014
Boston Marathon drawing
Your chance to win an entry into the 2015 BOSTON MARATHON without needing to qualify!!! Every participant in the 12k's of Christmas automatically will be entered into a drawing for a sponsor-exempt entry in to the 2015 Boston Marathon. No need to qualify for the race. Enter the 2014 12k's of Christmas, or any of the other events FieldWorks Events & Marketing produces in 2014 - Kiss Me I'm Irish Run, the Redneck Run, and Cinco de Miler - and your name will go into the drawing each time!
07-30-2013
Christmas in July 2013
Christmas in July was a great success! 161 Dogs and 18 Cats were adopted and found forever homes, and the 12k's of Christmas donated $2,148 to help the animals at Maricopa Country Animal Care and Control
09-18-2012
ElfDude
Look for the Elf Dude at upcoming races - discounts, goodies, and 12k merchandise!
11-15-2012
US Track & Field Certified
The 12k route has been officially certified by US Track & Field, confirming exact distances so you can compete for a state record in this distance. An early gift from Santa Paws.
10-24-2013
Personalized Bibs
Sign up by October 31st to get your name on your race bib!
12-09-2022
Adoption Event
Even if you don't run/walk, join us for this FREE Christmas event - 21 rescues in Santa's Pet Village, plus Christmas entertainment, Santa, a free bouncy for kids, & shopping! Bring the family and tell your friends! Help us find every pet in Santa's Pet Village a loving home this Christmas!
12-17-2013
Photos
2013 Event Photos available now at http://jamesdorsettphotography.smugmug.com/Sports/12ks-Christmas/2013
01-30-2014
MCCAC Check Presentation
The 12k's of Christmas presented a check to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday January 29, 2014. This ceremonial check presentation recognized Maricopa County's efforts to save pets' lives. At the conclusion of the presentation, Maricopa County approved the acceptance of the donation for Maricopa County Animal Care & Control's spay/neuter program.