Running a 5km race in a full head to toe Santa suit, who would not want to do that???
This was the second year I have ran the Santa Jingle race in Burlington ON. I ran it last year with my husband, mother in-law(65) and friends and had a blast. This year my 14 year old daughter joined in on the fun. Running in a full Santa suit, hat and beard blowing in the wind was a huge part of the excitement of this race as much as it was to see so many other runners wearing Santa suits doing the same thing. It’s a sea of red and white, bells jingling and tinsel blowing. Last year there was approximately 3000 Santa’s and this year it grew to 3700. This course covers many of the same streets in Burlington as some other VrPro race. No hills on this course, just flat streets making its a fast course. Not only is this a great course and very well organized, but it also includes an awesome buffet breakfast at Emma’s Backporch where the awards are also held.
After running last years race, it was announced that VrPro was organizing the Santa Jingle race for the first time in the sister city of Burlington Vermont. Being so excited, my husband was the first to sign himself and I up for this new Santa race. Yes, we were willing to drive 7 hours to run a 5km race the week before our own Burlington’s race here.
We set out at 5 am from Milton and arrived in Burlington Vermont around 1230pm. We settled into the Hilton hotel which was a great deal as they were a sponsor of the race. We then went to pick up our race kit (the full Santa suit is included with registration for each race) at the pub where the race started and finished. Then off for some Christmas shopping in the gorgeous downtown area. The city of Burlington Vermont is beautiful with the Vermont University and all the huge sorority houses lining the streets. The city borders a lake with mountains in the back ground (what could be a better site to see while running?). Sat night we met up with some friends for dinner at an amazing little oven pizza place within walking distance from the hotel. The race was the next morning (Sunday) and it was a cool beautiful sunny day. We left the hotel 10 mins before the start of the race and walked to the start. This course is not quite as easy as Burlington ON as there are a few good hills, but even with the hills this course is great. This race bought 1200 Santa’s out and reached its capacity for its inaugural year. I know without a doubt, it will reach the numbers we have here in Burlington. Yes, once again, there is a post race buffet breakfast and awards. Kelly Arnot from Vrpro handed out gifts to anyone who travelled to Vermont from ON and other states. Great little extras at any race are well appreciated, and this is one thing that VrPro races are known for.I recommend these races to everyone as a great part of your Christmas season. Make it a new family tradition for your family, young or old.
