The Holiday Hustle 5k run is back in Sechelt for its fourth year, on Sunday, Dec. 13.
Hosted by Sunshine Coast Athletics, the Holiday Hustle aims to raise funds for the Chatelech track and cross country team as well as the Elves Club Christmas hampers.
Race co-director Teresa Nightingale said they are hoping to raise at least $700 for the track team, which will go towards travel costs and things like team uniforms.
“Every time they travel, the parents need to pay a travel fee and a team fee. It gets pretty expensive and that will deter some people from joining,” Nightingale said. “So this way we can fund all of that, so we get a lot more kids coming out and training and competing.”
Runners can compete in one of three categories: the 5k run, the 2k run or walk and the 2k dance-walk, which follows a ghetto blaster through the streets of Sechelt.
Nightingale said that people often dress up in festive outfits like elf costumes. She said they will be providing jingle bells and Santa hats for anyone who wants to wear one.
Roberts Creek’s Kim Doerksen will be running this year. Nightingale said Doerksen will be competing against Chatelech Secondary grad Jordan Wilson, who won the Holiday Hustle last year.
Telus provides a $500 donation, which is split between the track team and the Elves Club. Runners are asked to bring donations to help fill Elves Club hampers.
Nightingale said that last year they raised about $500 for the Elves Club plus the items that people brought. The track club received about $700.
“It will depend on the weather. Last year we had really good weather but the first year it was really rainy. If it’s pouring rain, we might get a few less people on race day. That will affect the end amount,” Nightingale said. “People are being really generous so far and donating an extra five, ten or even $15 when they are registering, which is really great.”
The race starts at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 13 outside the Sechelt Seaside Centre; registration and bib pick-up is at 8:30. Runners can register online at www.sunshinecoastathletics.org until 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Registration is $20 per runner.
