LaDainian Tomlinson, Speedway charities partner for new event

Two-time NFL rushing champion LaDainian Tomlinson is partnering with Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter to establish the inaugural L.T.’s Game-Changing Run on Dec. 12 at Texas Motor Speedway. The holiday-themed 5k event around the 1.5-mile oval and Reindeer Dash on pit lane will raise funds to provide nutritious meals for impoverished children in the Fort Worth Independent School District during the two-week winter break The event will be highlighted by Tomlinson competing in the 5k and will culminate with the post-race showing of a special holiday movie on “Big Hoss TV,” the world’s largest, high- definition LED video board. The run will be complemented by an appearance by Santa Claus, cookie decorating, holiday ornament and crafts designing, and complimentary hot cocoa. There also will be a special VIP package to tailgate with the NFL great for the movie.

The event is a partnership between Speedway Children’s Charities, Tomlinson’s Touching Lives Foundation and Cowtown Marathon. “I am very honored to partner with Speedway Children’s Charities for my ‘Game-Changing Run’ this December,” Tomlinson said. “It is going to be a fun event for the entire family and all for a great cause. The folks at Speedway Children’s Charities and my foundation are all very focused on the well-being of children and keeping kids active and healthy, which is what this run is all about.” Since retiring from the NFL in 2012 after 11 seasons, Tomlinson is a co-host of the NFL Network’s “First on the Field” every NFL Sunday. He assists community organizations and charities across the country with a special emphasis on hunger through his foundation.

The 5k and Reindeer Dash will begin at 7:30 p.m., with registration opening at 6 p.m. The entry fee is $25 for the 5k and $10 for the Reindeer Dash, and both include an event T-shirt and the holiday movie. For those interested in attending the movie but not participating in the run, the admission is $25 per carload. The VIP tailgating package with Tomlinson includes a tented VIP area for the movie with a barbeque dinner, s’mores, movie candy and popcorn, and highlighted by autograph and photo opportunities with the former NFL star. The levels are $3,000 for two VIP tickets, $5,000 for four and $10,000 for six. The overall winner of the 5k run also will earn admission to the VIP event. Race registration is now open at www.cowtownmarathon.org or in person the day of the event. Betty Dillard bdillard@bizpress.net