Planning for a December race means taking a leap of faith about what the weather will be. It could be a soggy downpour. It could be a frosty wonderland. Or it could be bright and in the 60s. And that could all be before the starting horn blows.
But the brave folks at Foot Traffic are ready for the unknown challenges and bring to you the Holiday Half, with multiple race distances and virtual options.
Running this race multiple times, I’ve experienced frosty cold, soaking downpours, and shorts-worthy sunshine. It’s impossible to predict the weather for a December race; but at least you can predict the cookies, shiny medal, and a great festive time from Foot Traffic.
The Holiday Half includes multiple distance options for those venturing out on Sunday, December 14th: half marathon, 15K, 10K, 5K, and even a 1K for the kid racers. The 5K is a looped-course that stays close to the start line at Daimler Trucks North America. Meanwhile the longer distances are an out-and-back with a major uphill in the first mile (and hallelujah a major downhill in the last mile).
Aid stations are positioned along all courses, including a special Freddi’s Cookie Station. There are also caroling groups that are worth taking those headphones off for. Holiday music is just the cheer runners and walkers need in those later miles.
Participants are encouraged to race in costumes to share the joy, and enter the runway costume contests before and after the race.
Race directors highlight the need for participants to get to the race early to ensure you are not stuck in traffic when you should be crossing the start line.
Please plan to arrive 45 minutes to an HOUR early to make sure you don’t get caught in traffic arriving before the race start. Remember, there are thousands of others starting the race when you do, so if you try to arrive 15 minutes before your race, you will be stuck in traffic (think trying to park in the garage at a Blazers game 10-15 minutes before a game).
All finishers earn a Freddi medal, tech shirt, and hot chocolate at the finish line. There are food trucks as a beer garden to help those finisher celebrations. And if you have a bit of energy left over, a DJ will be sharing holiday beats for your dancing pleasure.
