Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle
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Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle
Craven Smart Start organizes a multi-day fundraising event from December 1 to December 12, 2026, to support early learning and family services for children birth to five in Craven County. The in-person portion takes place in downtown New Bern with courses starting and ending in Union Point Park and a Family Fun Run around Union Point Park. Several events are also offered as virtual options.
Distances include:
- 10K
- 5K
- 1 mile
- 48.6 miles (virtual challenge)
Fees and registration details vary by event. Examples include the Jingle Bell Jog 5K at $30 until November 28 and $35 thereafter, the Tinsel 10K at $35 until November 28 and $40 thereafter, Santa’s Fun Run at $15 with a higher race day fee, virtual 5K and 10K at $20, and the virtual 48.6 mile challenge at $40. A $5 per person family discount applies for three or more in-person participants. Registration fees are nonrefundable. Registering by November 6 guarantees a race T-shirt; due to supply issues shirts may not be available for those who register after November 6.
Packet pick up is scheduled the day before the race at Craven Smart Start, 211-F Neuse Blvd, New Bern, and at Union Point Park on race morning. In-person awards include 1st through 3rd place male and female by age categories and overall medals. Long sleeve performance shirts are provided to in-person registrants in youth and adult sizes. Children 15 and under in the Family Fun Run receive a medal. Virtual finishers of the 48.6 mile challenge receive a shirt and medal; virtual 5K and 10K finishers receive a medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
