Warm up this winter and dash through the snow—or what remains of our fall leaves—with the return of the Santa Hustle race series. After a year away from in-person merriment, the Santa Hustle is back live for its 13th anniversary Saturday, Dec. 4 at Soldier Field.
Santa Hustle includes a 5K (3.1 miles) and Kids Dash (about 0.5 miles), welcoming runners and walkers alike. It’s not your average race—the holiday-themed run can be a parade of sprinting Santas, dashing reindeer, and speedy elves. The Grinch might even make an appearance!
Gear Up in Full Santa Swag
The festive magic begins with your transformation. Santa’s gift bag is full of fun festive swag. All Kids Dash participants receive a Santa hat, Santa beard, and finisher ribbon. All 5K participants receive a fit performance full-zip hoodie, Santa beard, Santa hat, and finisher medal.
When you register, you can also opt for extra festive packages as add-ons, including
Mrs. Claus Package
- Red Tutu
- Arm Warmers
- Candy Cane Socks
- Two Face Tattoos
Full Santa Suit Package
- Santa Coat
- Santa Pants
Long Sleeve Shirt Package
- Classic Long Sleeve Santa Shirt
Short Sleeve Shirt Package
- Short Sleeve Santa Shirt
All add-on packages will be an additional cost ranging from $9.95 to $19.95.
The fun and festive costumes are one of the best parts of the Santa Hustle. As expected from a holiday-themed race, runners of all ages take dressing up seriously, so have fun with it! You might be chasing after a Christmas tree for presents, or A snowman could be rolling along the course with you.
Registration is open now. Entry for the 5K is $44.99 through Dec. 3 and $60 on race day. Entry for the Kids Dash is $10 through Dec. 3 and $20 on race day. The Kids Dash is recommended for “hustlers” under the age of 10.
Packet Pickup
Pre-race packet pickup will be available at these locations:
Road Runner Sports Kildeer
20291 N Rand Rd, Kildeer, IL 60074
Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021
12-7 p.m.
Road Runner Sports Chicago
1435 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
Friday, Dec. 3, 2021
12-7 p.m.
Packet pickup will also be available on race day, Dec. 4 from 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Soldier Field Stadium Green under the white tents—be prepared for long lines.
Race Day
The Kids Dash starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9 a.m.
You’ll find all your life essentials along the 5K course, including cookie, candy, and water stations. If the sweets don’t get you going, the holiday music will! The course will be blasting with merry tunes to keep spirits bright.
Celebrate afterward with family, friends, and fellow “hustlers” at the after party at Navy Pier. Bring your race bib for food and drink specials and show off your medal!
PS: The 5K finisher medal includes a detachable ornament to further show off your accomplishment. Nothing’s stopping you from hanging the whole medal on your tree though—just sayin’.
Have Fun and Do Good
This year, Santa Hustle Chicago is supporting Cal’s Angels, a pediatric cancer foundation that grants wishes, raises awareness, and funds research to help kids fighting cancer. Since its founding in April, 2007, Cal’s Angels have been granting wishes, raising awareness, and funding research to help kids fighting cancer.
Over the years, the organization has raised over $7.5 million from generous donors and supporters, bringing unbelievable amounts of hope and support to thousands of pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Featured Image Credit: Santa Hustle Series