About 140 runners participated in the Stocking Shuffle 5K on Saturday at Colorado College. The race is a fundraiser for the Empty Stocking Fund.

PHOTOS: Stocking Shuffle, Gallery 1 ** Gallery 2

Paul Mann said winning is always fun, but he really enjoys contributing to the community.

The lanky 35-year-old runner from Colorado Springs won the Stocking Shuffle 5 K on Saturday at Colorado College, covering the mostly flat course in 17 minutes, 45 seconds. It was his second victory at the Stocking Shuffle - he won in 2008.

Mann picked a good day to give a little back to his home town. The Stocking Shuffle is all about community. The race supports the El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund, which annually raises about $1 million for 15 health and services agencies in the Pikes Peak Region.

"This is a really good cause," said Mann. "It's fun to come out and support all the great causes."

A former state track and field 800-meter silver medalist at Cheyenne Mountain High School, Mann said he runs in about 20 races each year. Most are funsdraisers. He excels at the 5K distance. Nathan McCrary, 37, of Colorado Springs, who finished second, noticed Mann's quick pace.

"I thought I might catch him, but he just kept extending the lead," McCrary said.

McCrary won the inaugural Stocking Shuffle in 2006 - it was his first victory in a citizens' race - and has placed second three times. He said he runs to support the Empty Stocking Fund.

"It's always nice to do a race that raises money for a good cause," he said.

McCrary finished in 18:32. Jaclyn Roberson (right), 31 of Colorado Springs, won the women's race in 22:59.

In it's sixth year, the race attracts families who dress in Santa Hats, tutus and ugly Christmas sweaters and run for fun. One runner sang the words to "Here comes Santa Claus" as he passed the 2-mile mark.

Colorado College students have always produced the Stocking Shuffle. Co-race director Sara Bodner said she and her friends were up and ready to go at 2:30 a.m.

"When I was a freshman I didn't know anybody in the community, so I wanted to get involved," she said. "This is such a fun family run. I don't think I would even want to host a run that is really competitive."

Photo below: The Colorado College students who organized the event were still having fun after the race.