RUNable Race Review: Holiday Hustle 5k

RACE STATS:
A Running Glance:

Things I loved
- Christmas theme
- Located in the “City of Lights,” Canton, MS
- Nice door prizes

Things I less than loved
- Misleading time on event
- Generic medals
Running Tally: Holiday Hustle 5k
Price/Value
T-Shirt/Swag
Expo/Finish Line
Medal/Awards
Volunteers
Course Scenery
Aid Stations
Parking/Access
Race Management
2.5 STARS
Here is my overall RUNscore, averaged from the individual categories above. Did you run the race? If so, click the stars next to USER RATING to rate this race yourself! Then read my full review below!! PS - I *LOVE* reader comments, so feel free to give me your opinion. But just about this race or my blog. Let's leave religion, politics, and parenting to the professionals. 😉
RUNable Review:
Canton, Mississippi (known as “The City of Lights”) hosts this merry and bright 5k that runs alongside the historic Canton Courthouse Square. Bonus: The proceeds benefitted Canton Academy.
Price
Prices started at $30, which is about the average these days for a 5k race.
T-shirt/Swag
The “swag bag” contained mostly paper flyers and various coupons, but also included a sticker, pencil, peppermint, and chapstick. The t-shirt is a Gildan brand, Ulta Cotton style, and is 100% cotton. It was a nice, dark gray color and long-sleeved. The front of the shirt featured the new Holiday Hustle logo. They actually gave out door prizes post-race, and I was lucky enough to snag one! I won this pretty ceramic Christmas ornament from a local boutique, Sulm’s Gifts. Winning made my night; thank you!
Expo/Finish Line
I actually pulled a muscle in my back two days before this event, so I decided that rather than not participate, I’d walk the 5k. By the time I finished, nearly an hour later, the food and tables were long gone. However, I did snap these pics before the race started, so I definitely know that pizza, cookies, and bananas were available to other participants.
Medal/Awards
The medals were generic and all sported a red, white and blue ribbon. It would have been nice to have seen something more “Christmasy” to match the theme.
Volunteers
There were enough volunteers at intersections, as well as working the tables at packet pick up.
Course Scenery
Most of the course wound through bordering residential areas, although the race began at the Train Depot downtown. We ran along one side of the famous square, and I was a little disappointed we didn’t see more of the “City of Lights,” as I was expecting.
Course Difficulty: LEVEL 2
The course was flat with only a few turns. I’d be curious to see what my running time would have been; I bet fast! 🙂
Aid Stations
There were a couple of water stops along the way, along with one or two groups of spectators.
Parking/Access
There was parking available across the street from the Train Depot. I actually arrived super early because the time on the website (and the Facebook event) said 6 p.m. It wasn’t until after I arrived that I realized the kids’ run took place first, before the 5k. (It’s customary to hold the kids’ fun run AFTER the main event, but I understand why they opted to start the “Reindeer Trot” first since this event was held on a school night.)
Race Management
I think the team at Canton Academy did a fine job organizing this hometown event. I know first hand how much work goes into organizing races; thank you Canton Academy and Holiday Hustle for your commitment to your community.
“Finishing Thoughts …”
ANNOUNCEMENT: This was my youngest daughter’s first 5k! As I mentioned, I was injured and decided at the last minute to walk the race, which gave me the opportunity to slow down (not STOP) and smell the roses. I *loved* being able to experience this event with my family during the most wonderful time of the year!
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