Add fun and fitness to your holiday season
Chicago hosts a number of super-festive Christmas runs next month promising lots of excitement and cool runner swag. The runs benefit a number of causes and organizations this year, ranging from diabetes to cancer to arthritis. ‘Tis the season of giving, so why not burn calories altruistically? Take a look at the runs listed below to learn more.
1. Santa Speedo Run
What makes it special? Santa Speedo Run was brought to Chicago from Boston by enthusiasts who thought it would be a good idea to run down Michigan Avenue in speedos in the middle of December. The attention-stirring event aims to raise awareness of Type-I Diabetes.
Who and what does it benefit? 100% of the proceeds go to the Chicago Diabetes Project.
Registration Fee: Bronze Registration $50 (Gold and Silver include options for higher donations.)
Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: 11:00am
Location:
McFadden’s
1206 North State Street
2. Santa Hustle
Photo Credit: Santa Hustle
What makes it special? Every participant will receive a Santa hat, beard, a lightweight performance hoodie to wear while running and a 5K finisher medal. Candy and cookies are offered along the course. Outrageous holiday decorations, festive music, and an after party at Navy Pier are also special features of this race.
Who and what does it benefit? American Cancer Society. The race is also a Toys for Tots official drop off spot: Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Santa Hustle for Toys for Tots.
Registration Fee: $50.00, November 3 – November 25; $52.50, November 26 – December 2
Date: Saturday, December 3
Time: 9:00am
Location:
Soldier Field
1410 Museum Campus Drive
3. Ugly Sweater Run
A photo posted by The Ugly Sweater Run (@theuglysweaterrun) on Sep 1, 2016 at 2:23pm PDT
What makes it special? Each participant will receive a new custom Ugly Sweater Run knit hat, a finishers medal and a complimentary cocktail (21+). Runners will also get the opportunity to shoot marshmallow guns, ride a mechanical reindeer, play in some fake snow and hang out in a life-size snow globe.
Who and what does it benefit? Presented by UglyChristmasSweater.com and Kahlua, the race benefits One Warm Coat.
Registration Fee: $35, kids 5 and under free
Date: Saturday, December 10
Time: 11:00am
Location:
Soldier Field
1410 Museum Campus Drive
4. Rudolph Ramble
Photo Credit: Fleet Feet Chicago
What makes it special? It’s a festive winter run through Lincoln Park. Runners get a Rudolph Ramble super cozy fleece beanie. Also, there’s an after party including a winter wonderland of music, steaming hot chocolate, holiday decor and a visit from Rudolph and Santa.
Who and what does it benefit? Runners are encouraged to make spirits bright for youngsters in need by making a donation or contributing a new toy to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Registration Fee: $40, Donner Dash Kid’s Race (12 and under) $15
Date: Sunday, December 11
Time: 9:00am
Location:
Diversey Harbor, Lincoln Park
2601 North Cannon Drive
5. Jingle Bell Run
Photo Credit: Arthritis Foundation
What makes it special? All participants receive a long sleeve t-shirt and finisher medal. Wear a holiday costume, Christmas sweater, or other fun and festive gear for the run.
Who and what does it benefit? The Arthritis Foundation. According to the foundation, Arthritis is the number 1 cause of disability in the United States.
Registration Fee: $40 until December 11, 2016
Date: Saturday, December 17
Time: 9:00am
Location:
Soldier Field
1410 Museum Campus Drive
