Runners show up to Veterans Park in their Santa Best for annual 5k

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Veterans Park felt a little bit like the North Pole Sunday morning, Dec. 5., and it looked like it too with a Santa Claus everywhere you turned.            

The annual Santa Hustle 5k returned after going virtual for the 2020 run. Kids started it off with a one-mile kids dash, and that was followed by a 5k run. 

"I'm going to be throwing the beard on for warmth primarily," said Chase Kelm, who was running the 5k with his son.

People were excited to indulge in Santa's favorite snacks.

"I'm excited about the cookies and milk at the end that I'm supposed to get for going first place," joked Andrew Aschenbrenner. 

The starting and finish lines were both right on Lake Michigan.

"I'm excited about looking at the waves and seeing how big they are," said Connor Kelm. 

Most dressed in their Santa best, but elves and reindeer made appearances too. 

 "It's awesome to see people out. It's fun to see Milwaukee and see people showing up so, it's a fun holiday tradition," said Mari Steinmetz. Steinmetz ran the kids dash with her youngest son, but her husband and older son ran the 5k. To keep warm they did high-knee exercises. 

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, a local non-profit. 

It’s a cold and windy start to this year’s Santa Hustle. But a beard should warm you right up. pic.twitter.com/11LZ61WC3W

— Amanda Becker (@AmandaBeckerTV) December 5, 2021

"I definitely do it for the medal," said Katy Veth. 

Veth was dressed in layers for warmth, but her outfit was still fun. Using a button, her shirt lit up with Christmas lights.

There was also holiday-themed contests for individual costumes.

When people crossed the finish line, they received a medal around their neck, but it also had a detachable ornament for the athletes to look at all season song.