Friendswood Development Company, which is best known for developing some of Houston’s signature master-planned communities including Fairfield and Kingwood, will host the sixth annual Tavola Reindeer Run in its community of Tavola, located in New Caney, TX, on Saturday, December 7. The chip-timed, USATF-certified course will include a 5K beginning at 8:00 am and a 1K family run/walk beginning at 9:00 am. The race will also feature festive, family-friendly activities and attractions including free photos with Santa, a rock-climbing wall, a giant snow globe bounce house with snow, as well as free food including Chick-fil-A chicken bisquits, Deca beer, and a coffee bar. Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit New Caney ISD’s Tavola Elementary, which sits on site in the community. This race has resulted in over $40,000 to New Caney ISD since its inception.

The event is presented this year by Lennar, H2O Innovation and Storm Water Solutions/Beyer Construction.

A New Caney ISD School Challenge was also implemented in 2021, where the top participating school receives a $2,500 donation.

“Reindeer Run has become an annual holiday tradition for our New Caney community, and we look forward to its return this year. Our goal with this race is to expose visitors and residents to the development so they see what living in Tavola is like –including our amenities and on-site Tavola Elementary School, which runners will pass as part of the course,” said Michael Johnson, Vice President of Land for Friendswood Development Company. “This race is about inclusivity (even for dogs!). You certainly don’t have to be a runner or need a competitive spirit to participate. We want those of all ages to come out and experience the holiday fun, including free photo opportunities with Santa,” he added.

Lauren Kelley with KPRC TV Channel 2’s Houston Life will return as the race’s on-site emcee and the Chick-fil-A Santa Cow will be on-site to get the race started. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and goodie bag, as well as a finisher medal; top female and male finishers in each age category will be presented with awards. The event will conclude with a post-race party featuring prize drawings, as well as a $100 prize for the most festive holiday costume.

Registration is available: $40 for the 5K and $25 the 1K. Race sign up and information on sponsorships are available at TavolaReindeerRun.com.

About Tavola

Located in New Caney, TX, Tavola (Italian for “gathering place”) by Friendswood Development Company, is located two miles north of the Grand Parkway on Highway 59. The community, which features the on-site Tavola Elementary School, is nestled within acres of woods filled with miles of greenbelt trails and man-made lakes. On-site amenities include the Recreational Center with a zipline and a community pool as well as several neighborhood parks. Homes range from the $200s to $700s; current builders include: Lennar, M/I, Perry Homes, and Westin Homes.