Forget the eggnog. Kick off the holidays with a festive 5k! Everyone knows the holiday season is a time for family, cheer, and…running. The Playmakers’ Holiday Classic captures the spirit of the season perfectly. No clocks, no bibs, just pure fun.
The first time I ran the Holiday Classic was located on the campus of Michigan State University. This year the race moved to downtown Lansing with the iconic State Capitol Building smack in the middle.
The Course
This festive 5K course started and finished at the Lansing Shuffle on the Lansing River Trail. It was primarily an out-and-back style with a slight variation around the Michigan State Capitol Building.
The course was entirely paved, and a great course for people of all different fitness levels and ages.
From Lansing Shuffle, we followed the Lansing River Trail for just under a mile before venturing onto the city streets that lead participants toward the beautiful State Capitol Building.
The course took us around the Capitol and toward the Michigan Hall of Justice.
On the return, we circled around and went on the opposite side of the Capitol which offered the opportunity to pass by the elegant ruby-red State Christmas tree. How’s that for festive?
After leaving the beauty of the Capitol, we hopped back on the Lansing River Trail and finished at the Lansing Shuffle where we received a well-deserved reward of warm cookies and hot cocoa.
The Goodies
True to tradition, Playmaker’s Holiday Classic participants receive a festive beanie. This year’s beanie was made by Brook’s and is by far one of the better hats I’ve received during any race. It is comfortable and warm.
Playmakers
Playmakers is a local running shoe store who does so much more than just sell shoes. They give back to the community every chance they get,including through the Playmakers Fitness Foundation. Not only do the host races across the state but they also offer Good Form Running/Walking clinics, and Injury Clinics.
This organization is part of what makes the Greater Lansing running community so amazing.
Overall
The Playmakers Holiday Classic 5K is truly a wonderful tradition to get people moving, bring families and friends together, and kick off the holiday season with fantastic memories.
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