Two holiday events in Gilbert this weekend will draw walkers and runners alike.

Celebrate the season by dressing up in your Santa costume and competing in the 1.2K, 6K or 12K races at Freestone Park.

BAGHDAD - A total of 12,000 American and 4,000 British troops will leave Iraq by September, the U.S. military said Sunday, hours after a suicide bomber killed 32 people at the entrance of Baghdad's main police academy.

Thinking of bringing home a new family member? Maybe one that walks on all fours and wags a tail?

The 12K's of Christmas is coming to Gilbert's Freestone Park on Dec. 10,  and organizers need your help. This unique holiday event includes Santa's Pet Village featuring over 40 rescue groups with animals up for adoption, a Christmas Bazaar, and a 12K, 6K and 1.2K run/walk with Christmas carolers at every kilometer.

Join a "sea of Santas" running during Gilbert's 12Ks of Christmas, and don't forget your pet.

Christmas festival and run

Queen Creek residents opposed to a Salt River Project power line scheduled to be strung above their homes say their biggest concern is getting the utility to work better with communities when planning new routes.

It’s the season of giving, and Gilbert leaders gave thanks earlier this month for the efforts of someone who — you guessed it — has given plenty to her community.

Amy Hastings set the American collegiate recordin the indoor 5,000-meter run at the Husky Classic in Seattle as members of the Arizona State track and field program competed in four meets Satuday throughout the nation.

Arizona students are taking online classes by the thousands, and with a change in state law, they have more options to do so.

With the turkey-day leftovers divvied up and fall decorations giving way to tinsel and twinkly lights, it’s time to turn our attention to the holidays. Here are our picks for 10 of the East Valley’s don’t-miss holiday events.

Friday night flight could be coming to an end.

Whether you want to explore a classy art festival or cheer at the ostrich, or even Chihuahua races, the East Valley has it! Let’s take advantage of our Arizona paradise and dance outdoors to live music, indulge during a cook-off, put on our boots for the rodeo and Old West Days, or run foot races.

You know what they say about Arizona’s weather: It’s paradise, except for the three months when we languish mercilessly in the triple digits. Options for getting out and about do dwindle in the summertime, but we more than make up for it the rest of the year — when we pick peaches, race ostriches, dance at outdoor concerts, browse arts festivals, run foot races and navigate corn mazes.