Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle
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Event
The Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, in New Bern, NC. The in-person events start and finish at Union Point Park, 210 E. Front Street, and include races through downtown New Bern and a course around Union Point Park. Distances and event formats offered include:
- 5K (Jingle Bell Jog)
- 10K (Tinsel Run)
- Santa's Fun Run
- 48.6-mile 12 Days of Christmas Challenge
- Virtual 10K
- Virtual 5K
Proceeds support Craven Smart Start programs for children birth to five and their families in Craven County. Event timing is provided by Run The East, LLC.
Registration, awards and logistics
Published entry fees include $25 for the 5K, $30 for the 10K, $15 for the Family Fun Run, $20 for virtual 5K and 10K, and $40 for the virtual 48.6-mile challenge. A $5 per person family discount applies for three or more in-person participants. Registration fees are nonrefundable. Registrants who register by November 27 are guaranteed a T-shirt; registrations after that date may not receive a race shirt due to supply issues.
Packet pick-up is scheduled Friday, December 12 at Craven Smart Start (211-F Neuse Blvd) and at Union Point Park the morning of the race. In-person awards are given 1st–3rd place male and female in age groups 8-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-64, and 65+. In-person registrants receive a long sleeve performance t-shirt; virtual finishers receive medals, and the virtual 48.6 challenge includes a shirt and medal upon completion. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.