Santa Hustle Chicago
Chicago, IL
Dec 6, 2025
- 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
It’s not just a race. It’s a magical experience. Come join the Santa Hustle® magic at Navy Pier. Santa is bringing a lot of merry to each participant by bringing a Santa Hustle Ugly Christmas Sweater as well as Santa Hustle embroidered beanie, and a Finisher Medal that will keep … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Dec 06):
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| H (°F) | 32 | 40 | 43 | 38 | 36 |
| L (°F) | 15 | 33 | 37 | 16 | 34 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
The Start of a New Finish Line
As someone who has lost 30 pounds within the past 4 months.. the 5k was my next fitness goal I needed to conquer. The way this event was set up … MORE
As someone who has lost 30 pounds within the past 4 months.. the 5k was my next fitness goal I needed to conquer. The way this event was set up and everything got me excited for the next journey as I plan to finish a marathon in the future. It was a lot more fun than I expected and you can meet a lot of people with similar goals from across the country. I would highly recommend this race whether it’s a new goal to conquer or a fun workout
This was a great race for a first timer
I was nervous with doing my first 5k run and I can honestly say it was a great run! The layout was wonderful & so was the people. There were … MORE
I was nervous with doing my first 5k run and I can honestly say it was a great run! The layout was wonderful & so was the people. There were a lot of snacks and drinks provided after the race which was very nice. I love the fact everyone still got a finisher medal even if we did not place in the top racers.
Great views and lots of fun
The race itself was fun with great swag including a warm zip up jacket and a head band. The organization of the race beforehand was a little chaotic with no … MORE
The race itself was fun with great swag including a warm zip up jacket and a head band. The organization of the race beforehand was a little chaotic with no preset corrals, but it did allow for much more flexibility in start time.
The track itself was great, running along scenic Navy Pier and the lake front path. However, the length running southbound back toward Navy Pier was disappointing. We were running on a diagonal as the lake font path slopes upward as you move away from the water. It was difficult on the knees and impacted my performance. Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable race with good energy and a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Felt the holiday spirit!
I will definitely recommend to my friends. Everyone at the event was very friendly and welcoming; especially as a first-timer! I felt the holiday spirit. Specifically receving an amazing metal … MORE
I will definitely recommend to my friends. Everyone at the event was very friendly and welcoming; especially as a first-timer! I felt the holiday spirit. Specifically receving an amazing metal that jingles!
Spent Five extra dollars to ruin my race
Day of packet pickup, 40 min wait, people standing around not helping move the line along. 5 dollars for convenience vs a 45 min drive to get it early in … MORE
Day of packet pickup, 40 min wait, people standing around not helping move the line along. 5 dollars for convenience vs a 45 min drive to get it early in a place people don’t drive.
No gear check. had to spend extra money to use a locker, ended up carrying my bag.
The course had a slanted pathway for over half a mile. That’s dangerous. That’s just a little of it.
Great potential
Many of the volunteers didn’t show up for packet pick up. It took over 30 minutes for us to start. No corrals by pace. Let 25 or so people start … MORE
Many of the volunteers didn’t show up for packet pick up. It took over 30 minutes for us to start. No corrals by pace. Let 25 or so people start every few minutes. Had to weave around all the walkers and strollers that left before our group. Bulk of run is on the Lakeshore trail which is beautiful and not closed to the public. It was congested and had to run on the bike lanes. On the return you have to run on a steep berm. The area with the treats had very long lines so skipped. I did like the access to Navy Pier and the bathrooms. The decorations at Navy Pier were beautiful! This race has such good potential. Start corrals by predicted time would be helpful. Move the start to the South Shore Cultural Center. The Lake Shore trail is more divided and less busy. Or in a neighborhood that has a building with bathrooms. McCormick Center. Chicago Cultural Museum. Park District Fieldhouses.
Great for a 5k
This was an easy course - mostly flat, scenery was great, volunteers being on course was fun to see. only suggestion I have is actually corralling people. Walkers were at … MORE
This was an easy course – mostly flat, scenery was great, volunteers being on course was fun to see.
only suggestion I have is actually corralling people. Walkers were at the very start of each wave making it VERY difficult to find a rhythm to stay on.
GREAT ATMOSPHERE AND PRODUCTION!
Got very lucky with the weather as there was rain all day the day before and later after the race. Good idea to register last min. as the price doesn't … MORE
Got very lucky with the weather as there was rain all day the day before and later after the race. Good idea to register last min. as the price doesn’t go up despite what the website says.
So much fun’!! Excellent for families
It’s perfect ! Great to spend time with families and friends. Highly recommend. Everything was very nice, best part was the cookies. Will definitely run next year. MORE
It’s perfect ! Great to spend time with families and friends. Highly recommend.
Everything was very nice, best part was the cookies. Will definitely run next year.
Fun Christmas Run
This is one of the most fun races that I’ve run. I ran it in 2022 and again in 2023 and I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed … MORE
This is one of the most fun races that I’ve run. I ran it in 2022 and again in 2023 and I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed the experience. I loved it benefitted a local cause: Cal’s Angels. You run along the lakefront and end up at Soldier Field so the course has beautiful scenery. Before the race you can take photos with a giant Santa or as an elf. After you can enjoy a free beer or free seltzer and reminisce on the race with friends and Christmas music. Along the route there’s a water stop, a cookie stop and a candy (M&M stop). Overall it’s just a fun race and I love running it every year.
It really is a magical experience!
The weather was pretty crazy, but the event itself was a fantastic experience! Well managed with cookies on course, an awesome after-party, festive swag to take home, and best of … MORE
The weather was pretty crazy, but the event itself was a fantastic experience! Well managed with cookies on course, an awesome after-party, festive swag to take home, and best of all it helps raise money for a good cause! The holiday decorations provided really cool photo opportunities as well! Definitely a great race to attend with friends and family. Five stars!
The tingle to my jingle!
Cookies, candies, and Christmas music! Best 3.1 miles of Chicago's lakefront! Selfie signs, donuts at the finish! I love this race!!! Kids dash was the super fun, my 3 kiddoes … MORE
Cookies, candies, and Christmas music! Best 3.1 miles of Chicago’s lakefront! Selfie signs, donuts at the finish! I love this race!!! Kids dash was the super fun, my 3 kiddoes loved the medals!
PERFECT CHICAGO CHRISTMAS
Everything about this race and special events company was perfect. You could tell they are professional, experienced, and very passionate about what they do. This race just seems to beat … MORE
Everything about this race and special events company was perfect. You could tell they are professional, experienced, and very passionate about what they do. This race just seems to beat the impossible and get better and better every year.