Santa Hustle Race Series

Q: First, can you tell our readers how the Santa Hustle Race Series was created and what your role is with it?
A: I founded the Santa Hustle Race Series more than a decade ago as a way create an experience for the participant regardless of their level of fitness. It has been very rewarding and exciting to see these races grow and provide an avenue to help people stay active while also creating lasting memories for them with their friends and family. I serve as the CEO for company which is based out of Chicago, Illinois.

Q: What was your goal when you started Santa Hustle Race Series?
A: The first Santa Hustle Race took place in Chicago in 2008 and now we have expanded to nine other locations plus one virtual race! My goals for Santa Hustle have been exceeded and I love that so many people are making these amazing memories and getting to experience a race that is more about having fun than anything else!

Q: What would you like someone who is hesitate to enter a race to know about the experience?
A: You will have the time of your life! It is a magical experience because we go all out! We turn the race course into Winter Wonderland with cookie stations, candy stations, outrageous decorations, music and so much more! You really have to experience it to understand how much fun it is with thousands of runners and walkers dressed like Santa. Plus, we give out the best swag- every participant gets a performance hoodie, a Santa hat and beard and when you cross the finish line you will get a 5K or half marathon finisher medal!

Q: Obviously, we are thrilled that the Santa Hustle has found a home in Roseville, where else do the races happen?
A: We are also thrilled to bring Santa Hustle to Roseville! We are coast to coast now with races in Maine, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Indianapolis, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Arizona and now California. We have participants that travel near and far to enter as many as they can. Our return rate is great too as it becomes a family tradition for many.

Q: Finally, how has partnering with Placer Valley Tourism helped elevate your event?
A: Placer Valley Tourism has been amazing, especially Donna Dotti. She was instrumental in bringing Santa Hustle to Roseville. Donna was the ultimate professional and extremely helpful. The level of expertise she brought to the table was what I would expect from a large market tourism board and I just can’t say enough about how much I have enjoyed working with her and everyone at PVT.

A huge thank you to Aaron for his enthusiasm, vision and dedication to making fitness fun for everyone! We are over the moon to have Santa Hustle find a home in Roseville and look forward to helping them grow this event year after year here in Placer Valley! It’s not too late to register and experience the magic that Santa Hustle promises this holiday season! We hope to see many of you there!