There is no doubt that the time around the holidays can be chaotic to say the least. Between holiday gatherings, shopping, baking, etc, it is hard to take time to enjoy your family and what the holidays are about. Our family absolutely loves taking a quick 'time out' and going on a quick road trip to the Smokey Mountains and enjoy a nice family weekend together each year for the Santa Hustle 1/2 Marathon and 5K. Yes, it is only a trip of about 48 hours, but it is time that we get to spend together. |
One of my absolute favorite parts about heading to Santa Hustle in the Smokies is the host hotel! So, you don't 'have' to stay at the host hotel, but this one is pretty awesome! First, the host hotel is the Wilderness at the Smokies hotel which has the state's largest indoor water park (exclusive to hotel guests only) so you can hit up some water slides even in the middle of winter! Another HUGE perk about this hotel is that the start/finish line is seriously right outside of the hotel doors. That is right, get up, get dressed, and walk right out to the start line! |
I am a total self-proclaimed Christmas FREAK! I love all things about Christmas - songs, lights, Santa, family, etc. No doubt that a Santa themed race would be one of the highlights of my December race calendar would be a Santa themed race! Just imagine hundreds of Santas (and a few in other Christmas themed costumes) running down the street for 13.1 or 3.1 miles enjoying Christmas music and Christmas cookies at hydration stations. I am actually getting way to excited just thinking about running on Sunday! I will be taking on the half marathon while Momma K and Papa J run the 5K. |