Santa Hustle!
Guys, I have a new favorite race.
It’s silly, it’s awesome, and it’s full of running Santa’s!
I think 99% of the people at this race were wearing their santa shirts and/or a costume. There were elves, presents, reindeer, you name it. This is the perfect race to get silly with your friends and run in costume for fun!
The race started at Castaway Bay in Sandusky. About an hour away. But the race didn’t start until 9:00 for the half marathoners and 9:30 for the 5k’ers, so there was plenty of time to get there (and plenty of parking!) and hang out before it started.
Me and the newlywed, Christie!
I only ran the 5k since I had run 17 miles the day before with my team, and if I had to give one criticism it would be that the 5k route sucked. It’s an out and back and you don’t really see anything. Totally boring. But just people watching kept me pretty entertained and I think if they put some Christmas music along the course that would be just enough!
I didn’t plan on racing, I just wanted to run as comfortable as I could without wanting to die (how I usually feel during a 5k). So my time was more than 2 minutes slower than my 5k PR earlier this year. Funny how training for time (like I was the first half of this year) actually works! 
I ran a 26:36 (8:35 pace) – good enough for 5/130 in my age group. I’ll take it!
Even though the 5k course sucked, I heard the half marathon course was pretty amazing since you get to run through Cedar Point. And, even with a sucky course, I would totally run this race again. Except next time I’ll put more effort into my costume and convince my friends to dress up with me!
Do you like to dress up for races, or no? Would you?
oh my gosh- you look so cute! I’ve never dressed up for a race, but I totally would- love the idea. Great job gfriend
I love how fun this race was. And I guess I was with those 1% that didn’t wear the race shirt but I’d rather be comfortable in my own shirt. Plus my shirt smells like deli turkey. Hoping to wear it Christmas morning.
I always say I am going to dress up for a race but then end up wearing my regular running clothes.
Sounds like so much fun! The closest I’ve come to dressing up for a race was the Halloween Run for Justice this year with my family, but we just wore halloween shirts. Perhaps this race needs to make my list for next year. And perhaps it would help to keep me on the running bandwagon if I had a half marathon on the calendar for December!
i wanted to run this!! looks like fun!!!
So fun even if the route wasn’t. I’ve never dressed up for a race. But I always love seeing those who do!
Nice job on the AG placing. Impressive! Sounds like a good race, especially with the warmer temps we have had this year.
I SO wanted to run this! Next year I’m doing it for sure!! Looks like you had a blast!
There’s a race like this in the suburb I used to live in. It’s kind of a hilarious scene!
This is one race I would dress up for. Wait until you see all of the costumes people will wear at Disney!
Sorry I missed you! I was looking for people I knew, but so much red! It was like where’s waldo or something. I’m glad you had fun with the 5k regardless. You’ll have to do the half next year, it was the bomb.
You are SO CUTE in your outfit! and holy speed woman!! nicely done!
My sister lives in Cleveland, so I definitely need to tell her about this race! Looks like a lot of fun!
Awesome! If someone gave me the costume, I’d love to dress up for one… I just never have time to pull it all together. Sounds like so much fun!
That sounds like a fun race – love costumes! For me, I don’t really pay much attention to the course for a 5K, it’s over so fast anyway. Unless of course it’s super hilly.
i really wanted to do this … however i didnt bc i let the last home browns game dictate my plans. looks super fun though, ill have to do it next year for sure!
So jealous. Next year for me. I guess that’s what happens when you get a coach, need race approvals. boooooooo. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope you have and your fam have a wonderful Christmas! & hope to see you in 2013!!!!
I’m not there yet with dressing up. I think I need to get a little more comfortable with running with others. Sounds like a fun one though!
The course for the half was pretty good. Although I was disappointed in the lack of Christmas music, except for the start\finish. You would think they could just use the sound system in the park and have it everywhere. Running through Cedar Point was fun and a little weird since it was so empty. The wind was a bit tough off and on the last 2 miles or so back in. Definitely a fun race and the long sleeve Santa technical shirts were super.
I think this races are so fun! I love to dress up! My bestie and I raced together on Sunday and we wore Santa shirts
Bummer that the course was so lame though!