Chicago Santa Hustle
Participants can run or walk through 5K and 10K courses lined with cheerful volunteers and aid stations, while children up to age 12 can participate in a 1K Kids Dash. Entrants receive themed apparel including beanies or Santa hats and beards alongside finisher medals. Treats including cookies, candy, and hot cocoa await runners at the finish line.
What to Expect
Holiday-themed 5K, 10K, and kids dash starting at Soldier Field.
Event Details
Duration
The time limit is 2 hours for a 5K/10K course.
Ages
All ages (Kids Dash for ages 12 and under)
Neighborhood
Near Museum Campus
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Santa Hustle Race Series
Food & Drink
Cookies, candy, and hot cocoa are offered to runners at the finish line.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with kids and festive fun-run participants
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: 10K: $59.99 until 4/30/2026; $69.99 from 5/01/2026–9/30/2026; $74.99 from 10/01/2026–10/31/2026; $79.99 from 11/01/2026–11/30/2026; $95.00 through Race Day. 5K: $49.99 until 4/30/2026; $54.99 from 5/01/2026–9/30/2026; $59.99 from 10/01/2026–10/31/2026; $64.99 from 11/01/2026–11/30/2026; $75.00 through Race Day. Registration fees may have sales tax and additional service and processing fees. Optional packet shipping is $15.95. If a participant cannot attend pre-race packet pick-up, race-day packet pick-up costs $15.95 per packet per paid participant. – Get tickets
- Hours: 10K: 8:15 AM; 5K: 8:30 AM.
- Parking: Participants and spectators are encouraged to park directly at Soldier Field. The Soldier Field Tailgate Parking Lot is identified as the most convenient option. Discounted rates may be available for participants; check the participant guide or pre-race email for details and validation instructions. Carpooling, public transit, and ride share are also suggested.
- Accessibility: Adaptive athletes using adaptive equipment or requiring guides can register for 5K or greater distances and may receive an early start.
Tips & Advice
- Register early, because the entry price goes up in steps through the fall and is highest on race day.
- Pick up your packet at the Friday pre-race pickup, or send a friend with your QR code, to avoid the race-day pickup fee.
- Make any distance, shirt size or registration gift changes at least 2 weeks before the race, since later requests aren't guaranteed.
- Pin your bib on the front of your torso at all four corners and keep it uncovered so your chip time records correctly.
- Carpool, take transit or use ride share drop-off to skip race-morning traffic around Soldier Field.
Special Events & Promotions
- Group discount when 5 or more people register at once (not for the Kids Dash)
- GOVX discount on one registration for military, law enforcement, first responders, medical services, government employees and teachers
- Packet shipping add-on: choose it at registration and your shirt, bib and more are mailed to you (by 11/15)
- Distance Pin add-on for 10K and 5K finishers to go with the medal
- Referral rewards: get five people to register with your link at least 2 weeks before the race to earn a refund
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids take part?
Yes. The Kids Dash is a 1K run for kids up to age 12, starting and finishing near the main race area. Parents can run alongside free, but only registered kids get the swag, bib and medal.
What do runners get?
Every participant gets a Santa Hustle apparel item by Headsweats, a beanie and a finisher medal. Kids Dash runners get a long-sleeve shirt, a Santa hat and beard, a race bib and a finisher medal.
Where should I park?
The Soldier Field Tailgate Parking Lot is the easiest choice, with direct access to the start and finish areas. Participant parking discounts are often available; details come in the Participant Guide or the pre-race email.
Is there an option for adaptive athletes?
Yes. In the 5K and 10K you can register as an Adaptive Athlete and add one complimentary guide. Adaptive Athletes often start a few minutes early, so listen for announcements on race day.
How can I volunteer?
Individuals can sign up online, and groups fill in a form with how many people can help. Jobs include checking in runners, handing out medals at the finish and serving treats.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.