SANDUSKY, Ohio – Join the jolly stampede of runners and reindeer this Sunday, Dec. 16, at Cedar Point's first-ever Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K.
The half marathon starts at 9 a.m. and features a scenic tour of the Cedar Point Peninsula, followed by a 3.1-mile race at 9:30 a.m. along the Cedar Point Causeway. Both races start and end at Castaway Bay indoor waterpark and resort.
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All participants receive a Santa hat, beard and customized dri-fit shirt to wear while running or walking. There will be plenty of holiday decorations, music and cookies along the way to make the race a real treat for everyone, event organizers said.
A post-race party will round out the festivities. Participants and spectators can also spread holiday cheer by donating unopened toys to the Toys for Tots boxes at the race.
The Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K first trotted through the streets of Chicago in 2009 and has become one of the fastest-growing races in the country, said race coordinator Lauren Stromberg of Adrenaline Sports Management.
"We've seen a lot of success throughout the Midwest with the Santa Hustle racing series," Stromberg said. "It's a run you can do with your whole family … just an all-around fun race."
The Santa Hustle series has attracted attention from national media including the Travel Channel and the "Rachael Ray Show." More than 1,500 participants have registered for the Cedar Point event so far.
"That's a tremendous response for a first-year event," Cedar Point marketing manager Bryan Edwards said. "It has already exceeded our expectations, and we hope it will continue to grow. The race gives people a unique opportunity to experience our park and boardwalk during the winter, when it's usually off-limits."
Registration is available online through Friday, Dec. 14. Participants can also register during packet pick-up from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Castaway Bay. Rooms are also available at Castaway Bay, which opens Dec. 14, organizers said.
For more information or to register, visit santahustle.com/cedar-point.