RUNable Race Review: Holiday Hustle 5k

RACE STATS:

• DATE OF RACE: December 4, 2019
• DISTANCE(s): 5k, 1-Mile Fun Run
• REVIEWED: 5k
• LOCATION: Canton, MS
• DIFFICULTY: Level 2
• CAUSE: Canton Academy
• RUNscore: 2.5 Stars

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

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!