Running The Season at the Holiday Half (10 Miler, 10K, & 5K)

What is the best gift for a runner during the holidays? Blue skies and cool temperatures for the Holiday Half of course.

The Holiday Half is one of my December traditions. The weather varies (A LOT) but the out and back course always has a wicked hill during the starting mile and a wonderful downhill for the last mile. The 10-mile and 10K courses use the same out and back (with earlier turnarounds) while the 5K has a closer loop course to follow.

All participants start at Daimler Truck North America campus so there lots of close-by parking to stay warm before the start. Parking at Daimler is $4 (paid at registration) or there is a shuttle option for another nearby lot.

Along the course there are the regular aid stations runners and walkers need, plus a Freddi’s Cookie station that we always needed but just didn’t know about. There will also be groups of carolers along the course cheer in the season and the participants. And if the weather outside if frightful, those singers will still be there and delightful.

Looping back to those all-important cookies: this year’s finisher medals will be Freddie the Gingerbread Cookie. Participants who sign up by early November will also receive a long-sleeve tech shirt with Freddi’s face to celebrate in.

After crossing the finish line, I recommend heading immediate for the Hot Chocolate Station where you can create the warm-up drink of your dreams with lots of topping options. There will also be food trucks to purchase treats and Rogue Brewery serving other warm-up options.

The after-party will also include multiple opportunities to enter a costume contest. After you finish, stop by the DJ’s booth to enter the next runway competition with the crowd deciding whose bells are the brightest.