Thousands of Santas hustle to support cancer patients, underprivileged children
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As SantaCon revelers paraded and pub crawled through cities including New York and San Francisco, Hoosiers hit the pavement in Santa hats this weekend for a holiday race benefiting underprivileged children and local cancer patients.
Thousands braved the bitter cold Sunday morning in downtown Indianapolis to participate in the annual Santa Hustle 5K and half-marathon.
The runners’ Christmas-themed costumes transformed the American Legion Mall into a sea of red and white with the occasional speck of bright green. Several children and adults raced in elaborate Grinch and Christmas tree costumes.
At least one Mrs. Claus was spotted sprinting toward the finish line in an ankle-length velvet gown and powdered wig, alongside runners in candy cane-striped socks, festive tutus and reindeer headbands.
One man completed the 5K in a furry bunny suit; the only “pink nightmare” at this year’s race.
Bryan Green paired the onesie with sneakers and sunglasses but, regrettably, was unable to fit a Santa hat over his plush rabbit ears.
“I wanted to try something different,” Green told News 8. “This race is always a great time.”
The Santa Hustle event, now in its eighth year in Indianapolis, also acts as an official drop-off location for “Toys for Tots.” The program is run by the United States Marine Corps and has distributed holiday presents to millions of children since 1947.
A portion of this year’s race proceeds will be donated to the Little Red Door Cancer Agency, organizers said.
The Indianapolis-based organization “works to reduce the physical, emotional and financial burdens of cancer for medically under-served residents of central Indiana,” according to directors.
“I never miss the Hustle,” a runner in a Santa suit, beard and hat told News 8. “It’s my favorite race. We dress up as Santa and we get to give back.”