Featured Running Event of the Week - A Christmas Story Run

Not just any Christmas story - but "A Christmas Story" - as in the Americana classic movie!!  Yes, that one they show all day and all night on TBS and TNT every Christmas.

And, yes, it has its own running event.  A 5k and a 10k.

For those that live in/near Cleveland, OH, this is right on your doorstep - for those who love running but need to travel to Cleveland - this is most definitely one of those "destination races" - or as many people at the event said "a bucket list run".  Personally, this was THE bucket list run for me!!!

And, it's not "just a themed" race - it is 100% connected to the movie.  100%.

The host hotel - and location of early packet pickup and race day packet pickup is the Renaissance Hotel into downtown Cleveland.  So, what does that have to do with anything - that is directly connected to the Higbee Building! The home of Higbee's!  Higbee's, the department store in which Ralphie gave his Red Rider wish to Santa Claus.  The same Higbee's that had the decorated windows during the Christmas Parage in the movie!!  Now today, the building is actually the home of the Jack Casino - however, just in time for the race - they decorated the windows like something right out of the 1940s!!! 

The race starts just behind this building - and is a perfect place for a photo op with the Higbee Building sign! 

The race is a 5k or a 10k - and shuttles are provided.  Why shuttles?  Well check this out.........

The 5k race finish line is at the A Christmas Story House - the real authentic house - the real deal!   So, the shuttles are there to take the 5k racers back to the start line.  The 10k races loop back to the start line - and then can take a shuttle back to the A Christmas Story House.

I really don't want to say too much more about the race, as I really and truly think it's something special to absorb and experience first hand. 

There are some things I can say without spoiling anything.  It is extremely well organized, it draws tons and tons of people.  Your entry fee includes a commemorative chip-timed bib, admission into the A Christmas Story House Tour, admission into the A Christmas Story Museum, and admission into the pre/post race festivities at the host hotel and at the finish line, plus a cool medal and long sleeve running shirt!!

Also, do not be afraid to dress up.  If you are worried that you'll be the only one dressed up - fear not - you will NOT be the only one.

I really wish I could give more details, but I really don't want to spoil anything.  If you love running (or jogging or walking) and you love A Christmas Story - you will love love love this event!!!

The course itself is a fun one, it starts in downtown Cleveland then goes on a bridge over a river, makes a few turns, and runs through a neighborhood setting with neighborhood businesses then houses.  When you get to the destination - it all fits. 

Except for the bridge, it's pretty much flat and fast.  The 10k is just a return of the 5k route, with a couple of exceptions.

For those that run the 10k, they also get all the perks, they just have to hop on a shuttle back to the House, or they can even drive back later in the day, as their bib is their admission. 

Ireally wish I could just tell you my entire experience - but you'll just have to trust me - you have to experience this for yourself.  Anything I say will be a spoiler!

Oh, I can say this, because they say this - there is NO Hot Chocolate at the finish line....instead there is......come on....you know this......hot..................Ovaltine.

The race is usually the first weekend of December.  I am posting this review now, to give everybody time to make plans.

Seriously, if you enjoy running and enjoyed the movie - you'll enjoy this race.  For me, it was THE ultimate bucket list race!!!