The Santa Hustle 5K and Half Marathon is out of Chicago, but it has become very popular and will be in Maine for the first time!

Aaron Del Mar, the founder and former Olympic judo wrestler, wanted to combine his love of athletics with his enthusiasm for having a good time. This race does that! There is every level of walker and runner. How fun?

At the half-mile mark, the course is lined with several cookie stops and tables with candy. And when you finish, you are greeted by elves and reindeer!

It's in South Portland and ends at the Maine Mall. They are expecting well over 3,000 the first year in Maine. Over 50,000 people run the Santa Hustle across the country.

It's coming up on Sunday November 23rd, and you can register up until the morning of the race. It's $50 to run the 5K and $65 for the half-marathon. It is expensive - but that gets you a Santa hat, beard, and a newly designed Santa Hustle sweatshirt to wear while running. And money will go to Easter Seals. Then the after party there is hot chocolate, holiday music, and cookies!

The 9 year old heard about this and demanded we do it! I swear she would run a whole marathon for cookies and hot chocolate! So the family may be running, but more likely walking and eating cookies.

 

 

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