HISTORY OF THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE

The Holiday Hustle began in 2024 as a way for Prepare2Fly to bring the community together during the Christmas season while raising funds to support the organization’s programs and outreach.

On December 14, 2024, Prepare2Fly hosted the inaugural Holiday Hustle 5K Fun Run in Crockett, Texas. Sixty-four enthusiastic participants braved the rainy weather to take part in the festivities. Despite the drizzle, the holiday spirit was easy to see as runners and walkers of all ages arrived dressed for the occasion in colorful Christmas leggings, reindeer antlers, red tutus, and other festive attire.

The overall race winner, Jayden Mendez, a young cross-country runner from Latexo, Texas, led the pack with an impressive performance. The event also welcomed a lively group of cross-country runners from Sam Houston State University, who brought even more energy and friendly competition to the inaugural race.

Growing the Tradition

In 2025, Holiday Hustle returned with a new theme, the Gingerbread Fun Run, and the event continued to grow. More than 80 runners and walkers participated, with awards presented to winners across several age categories.

The race also grew into much more than a traditional 5K. Local businesses, churches, organizations, and community members joined the fun by hosting festive stations along the route, offering participants treats, refreshments, encouragement, and plenty of Christmas cheer. The addition of the 1-Mile Fun Run also provided another opportunity for families, younger participants, and walkers to be part of the event.

Runnin’ with My Gnomies 2026

On December 5, 2026, Holiday Hustle returns for its third year with a brand-new theme: Runnin’ with My Gnomies.

This year, Prepare2Fly is continuing to build on the traditions established during the first two races while adding new experiences for participants. Vendors and community partners will once again be stationed along the route with goodies for runners and walkers, while additional vendors at Crockett Memorial Park will offer coffee, drinks, breakfast items, Christmas goodies, and more.

The 2026 race will also feature an upgraded finish-line experience with an inflatable finish line and race timer, giving participants an exciting way to celebrate, and capture the moment, as they complete their Holiday Hustle.

From 64 participants in a rainy inaugural race to more than 80 participants the following year, Holiday Hustle continues to grow. But the heart behind the event remains the same: bringing people together, encouraging activity, celebrating the Christmas season, and creating a fun community tradition that families and participants can look forward to year after year.

As an annual fundraiser for Prepare2Fly, proceeds from Holiday Hustle help support the organization’s mission and programs serving students, families, educators, and the surrounding community.

Our goal is simple: keep growing, keep improving, and make each Holiday Hustle a little more memorable than the one before.

We look forward to seeing where the trail takes us next!

This year’s Holiday Hustle 2026 is set for December 5, 2026 at Crockett Civic Center! We hope to see you there!

FREE SHIRT included for all Early Registrants!  Register by November 1st to claim your free shirt! 

Registrations will be accepted all the way up to race day.