We’re deep in the dog days of summer — iced coffee is basically a food group, your morning dog walk feels like a sauna session, and the idea of stepping outside after 10 a.m.? Hard pass. But even as we melt our way through July, we can’t help but start dreaming about cool fall mornings, festive vibes, and that magical season ahead: the holidays.

Here’s the thing though — when it comes to moving our bodies, the holiday season just isn’t on our side. Between travel, parties, cookies everywhere, and that end-of-year slowdown, staying active becomes an uphill battle.

Fun? Yes.
Cozy? Absolutely.
Great for your fitness routine? Not so much.

Like all our articles, you want to know the facts:

The Holidays = Fitness Chaos

• The average person gains 1–5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
• Only 23% of people stay active during the holiday season.
• Exercise frequency drops by 20–30% for most adults in November and December.
• A study found that holiday stress increases by nearly 60%, and people who don’t exercise report feeling it more intensely.
• Schedules get packed. Goals get lost. Netflix wins.

But here’s the thing — you don’t have to choose between fun and fitness. What if we told you that staying on track could actually make the holidays more joyful? So we thought: why not build something fun, motivating, and community-focused that actually helps us all stay on track — while still soaking up all the joy of the season?

Enter: The Holiday Hustle
Every year, a dedicated crew of movers and shakers take on the Holiday Hustle, presented by Hunter Subaru — a 3-race series that keeps the good vibes and good habits rolling right through the holiday madness.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a reason to stay active when it’s tempting to do... literally nothing, the Holiday Hustle is your built-in motivation to move. And yes, you can still participate even if you have travel plans!

Why Signing Up Matters

• Signing up for a race increases follow-through. Research shows that when people commit to a goal with a specific date — like a race — they’re 91% more likely to follow through compared to vague fitness intentions.
• It builds real accountability. In one study, people who shared their fitness goals with a community or training group were more than twice as likely to stick with their plan.

The Holiday Hustle Series isn’t about being perfect. It’s about feeling good, keeping your body moving, and starting the New Year already ahead of the game. It’s about community. Celebration. Movement.

So while it’s 90 degrees now and you’re sweating just thinking about running, know this: committing now gives you something to look forward to later — a cool, feel-good finish to your year.