CLEVELAND — One of Cleveland's most fun holiday events is unfortunately no more.
The annual "A Christmas Story" Run has been disbanded, operators of the iconic movie house in Tremont officially announced Wednesday. The dual 5K and 10K race had been on a three-year hiatus due to health concerns, and while organizers did not give a specific reason for its ending, the news comes as the owner of the house looks to sell the property.
"It comes with great sadness that we announce the A Christmas Story Run has been permanently cancelled," "A Christmas Story" House posted on its Facebook page. "Thank you to all who have volunteered and supported us through the years."
First held in 2013, the run has attracted plenty of festivities and participants over the years, with many showing up wearing film-themed costumes in the cold December weather. The races would begin in Public Square near the old Higbee Building made famous by the movie before making its way south, with the 5K ending at "A Christmas Story" House on West 11th Street. In all, officials say the event has raised more than $500,000 for The Cleveland Street Foundation, which helps restore and maintain homes in Tremont.
Despite its stature, the "A Christmas Story" run has not been held since 2019, with the 2020 and '21 events both being canceled due to COVID-19 and permit concerns. For unknown reasons, the race was again scrapped in 2022, but promoters had previously said they were "definitely planning on December 2, 2023," for the next one.
House owner Brian Jones first announced the impending sale of the location last November, and is currently in the process of screening for "qualified buyers." That process saw an ugly and public dispute between Jones and actor Yano Anaya, who portrayed Grover Dill in the movie and was working on a potential bid along with his fellow co-stars, but the two longtime friends have since resolved their differences.