The Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle takes place on December 1, 2026, in New Bern, North Carolina, at 210 E. Front Street, with races starting at 8:00 AM. The event offers three distances: a 1-mile option, 5K, and 10K, giving runners flexibility based on their fitness level and goals. Entry fees range from $15 to $40 depending on the distance selected. If you can't travel to New Bern for race day, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule. This holiday-season race provides an accessible way to stay active during the end-of-year period while competing alongside local runners.
From the Race Organizer
Working with community partners, Craven Smart Start provides Craven County children with quality early learning opportunities and health and family support to give them a foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond. Proceeds raised from the Holiday Hustle will expand Craven Smart Start’s ability to provide more services for children, birth to five, and their families in Craven County. The Holiday Hustle will feature the Tinsel 10K and Jingle Bell Jog 5K, which take runners on a course through downtown New Bern starting and ending in Union Point Park. The event also includes the Santa Family Fun Run with a course around Union Point Park. All races will be available as a virtual option including the virtual 48.6 mile 12 Days of Christmas Challenge, we introduced in 2020. Registration Fees: Jingle Bell Jog 5K - $30 until Nov. 28 / $35 Nov 29 until race day Tinsel 10K - $35 until Nov. 28 / $40 Nov 29 until race day Santa’s Fun Run - $15 / $20 on race day Virtual 5k & 10k - $20 Virtual 48.6 mile 12 Days of Christmas Challenge (this race can be any form of exercise-Running, walking, swimming, biking, elliptical, etc.) - $40 $5 per person family discount for in person races (3 or more participants) Register by Nov. 6 to guarantee T-shirt. DUE TO SUPPLY ISSUES, PLEASE BE AWARE IF YOU REGISTER AFTER NOVEMBER 6TH , YOU WILL NOT GET A RACE SHIRT. Registration Fee is NONREFUNDABLE. Packet Pick up will be Friday, December 11th from 4-7 at Craven Smart Start, 211-F Neuse Blvd, New Bern or at Union Point Park beginning at 7am the morning of the race. Awards: In-Person Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, male & female, in age categories 8-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-64 and 65+ Medals to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place overall in each race male and female Giveaway: All in-person registrants will receive a long sleeve performance t-shirt. Available in YS, YM, YL, AS, AM, AL, AXL, AXXL. Register by Nov. 6th to guarantee t-shirt! All Children 15 and under participating in the Family Fun Run will receive a medal. Everyone that completes the Virtual 48.6 mile 12 Days of Christmas Challenge will receive a long sleeve performance T-shirt and medal upon completion. Participants of the 5k and 10k virtual run will receive a medal upon completion (no shirt).
Hotels Near This Race
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Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle 2026 — New Bern, NC
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to New Bern, NC.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle 2026 — New Bern, NC?
Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle 2026 — New Bern, NC takes place on December 1, 2026. The race is held in New Bern, North Carolina.
Where is Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle 2026 — New Bern, NC held?
Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle 2026 — New Bern, NC is held at 210 E. Front Street in New Bern, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Craven Smart Start Holiday Hustle 2026 — New Bern, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in New Bern. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
