§staticmap(9995,5,450,250)Hello, on December 10 2011, you’ll be organizing the Santa Hustle Half Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
Wilderness at the Smokies Hotel & Waterpark Resort 1424 Old Knoxville Highway Sevierville, TN 37876.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
This is a first year race in Sevierville. The Santa Hustle originated in Chicago 2 years ago. It has tripled in size every year and we are now bringing it to other cities across the country.
This year we expanded the race to Sevierville and Indianapolis. We wanted to create a fun, holiday theme race and came up with the idea of giving everyone Santa gear and it has really taken off.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
It is an out and back course that is on a paved street. It is very flat at the beginning and end with a few small hills in the middle.
Between the half marathon & 5K we expect around 1,500 for the first year. We attract runners who are out to have a good time. This race is one that isn’t extremely competitive.
While there are age group awards for the top finishers, a lot of people don’t even pick up their timing chip because they’re just out there to have a good time and enjoy the race’s atmosphere.
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
Yes a 5K.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
It will be cold, possibly snowing, but that just adds to the festive holiday theme.
Have you planned festivities around the half marathon?
This half marathon is really fun. There’s Christmas music, live reindeer, sleigh rides, candy stations along the course, 20 ft inflatable Santas, and a giant after party. All runners get a Santa hat, beard and long sleeve t-shirt (cotton for 5K, dry-fit for half marathon)
The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Sevierville before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
There are plenty of fun things to do in Sevierville. The Wilderness has a great water park, there are lots of shopping and local southern dining. It is located right near the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains and that is the best sightseeing destination.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Santa Hustle Half Marathon?
You don’t want to miss out on the ultimate winter race with holiday music, live reindeer, candy stations along the course, giant inflatable Santas, a huge after party and more- all while being dressed up as Santa!
Interview with Heather Frayn, Event Director at Adrenaline Sports Management.