The Erie Sports Commission is pleased to announce that the Santa Hustle 5K, a national fun run and race series, will debut in Erie, Pa. on Saturday, Dec. 8 with a 5K run and walk that will start and end in Perry Square. Santa Hustle 5K is being held in coordination with the City of Erie and the Erie Downtown Partnership, as it kicks off the holiday season with its annual Downtown d’Lights event on Friday night, Dec. 7.
Holiday cheer will abound when this festive event series stops in Erie, as participants wear Santa hats, shirts and beards (all provided with registration). Participants will pass through cookie and candy stations located along the race course, with holiday music playing throughout.
Santa Hustle, operated by Adrenaline Sports Management, has been traveling to cities across the United States since 2008, and has seen thousands of Santas run in locations such as Chicago, Indianapolis and Milwaukee. The event series has been featured on major media outlets, including ESPN, the Travel Channel and the Rachel Ray Show.
In the spirit of the season, Santa Hustle also partners with a local benefitting charity to receive a portion of the proceeds. The charity partner for the Erie race will be Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Chapter has served more than 18,000 children in 57 Pennsylvania Counties and West Virginia.
Registration is open now. The first 500 participants who register before July 1 will receive a discounted registration for $34.75. A one-mile Rudolph Run will be open to kids ages 12 and under for $10.
All 5K participants will receive a Santa hat and beard, a Santa-themed performance hoodie and a 5K finisher medal. Rudolph Run participants will receive a Santa hat, Santa beard and finisher ribbon.
The Rudolph Run will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the 5K following at 9 a.m.
“We’re thrilled that after ten successful years of hosting Santa Hustle, we can continue to bring the holiday spirit to a new city in such a fun way,” said Aaron Del Mar, founder of Adrenaline Sports Management. “Erie is the perfect destination for this event, and I’m looking forward to seeing thousands of Santas run through beautiful Downtown Erie!”
“This run is a perfect fit for Erie, and I’m so glad that Aaron (Del Mar) saw that as well,” said Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the Erie Sports Commission. “This event is an experience like none other, to run alongside thousands of other Santas in downtown Erie. I truly appreciate Mayor Schember’s office and the City of Erie’s willingness to host the event downtown. I hope holiday enthusiasts will join together and embrace Erie in the winter to enjoy this spectacular event.”
“Make-A-Wish is honored to be included in the Santa Hustle, which will be a great family-oriented event,” said Jan Stork, Vice President of Development for Make-A-Wish. “As an organization, we are committed to bringing joy to children living with a critical illness, and this event will bring joy to everyone who participates. The money raised will allow us to continue to provide life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”
For more information and to register, visit http://www.santahustle.com/.
The Erie Sports Commission is committed to promoting the Erie region as a prime destination for sports and recreation. The major goals of the ESC are to attract, create, support, and host sporting and recreational events that have a positive economic impact on the region, and assist in maximizing the potential of all regional sports facilities and venues. The ESC strives to enhance the image of Erie by showcasing the community, promote wellness through healthy lifestyles, and improve the quality of life for community members of all ages.
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia is a nonprofit organization that creates life-changing wishes for children, aged 2 ½ to 18, with critical illnesses. Currently, the local chapter is one of the most active in the country, having fulfilled more than 18,000 wishes. For more information, please call Make-A-Wish® at 814.868.9474 or visit greaterpawv.wish.org.
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