The short answer: if you want a virtual holiday challenge where walking counts, you set your own goal, and a real medal shows up in the mail, that's what we built Holiday Hustle for. It runs November 1 to December 31, 2026, costs $55, and lets you pick a goal from 50 to 500 km. If you'd rather do a set race distance with a themed medal, runDisney's virtual holiday series and the event listings on RunSignup are good places to look.
Yes, Holiday Hustle is ours. We'll keep this factual and tell you where other options are a better fit.
What to look for in a virtual holiday challenge
- Does walking count? December is busy and cold. A challenge where dog walks, mall laps and treadmill miles all count is one you'll actually finish.
- Can you choose the goal? A fixed 5K is done in an afternoon; a fixed 100 miles can feel out of reach. A goal you pick yourself keeps you moving all season.
- Is the medal worth keeping? Ask who makes it, how big it is and when it ships.
- Does it give back? The holidays are when food banks need help most.
How Holiday Hustle works
- Pick a goal: 50 km (31 mi), 100 km (62 mi), 250 km (155 mi) or 500 km (310 mi). You can change it any time in the app.
- Move however you like: more than 50 activity types count, from walking and running to cycling, swimming, yoga and shoveling snow.
- Log it in the app: track as you go, or import from Apple Health and Strava.
- Get your reward: pick a 4" stainless steel medal made by Ashworth Awards (makers of Boston Marathon medals), a super-soft holiday tee, or a knit beanie. Everything ships at the end of the season.
- Do it together: make a team with family or friends and work toward a shared goal.
- Give back: add a gift to Feeding America when you register and we'll match it dollar for dollar, up to $50. Every $1 provides 10 meals.
Serving through the holidays as a nurse, firefighter, food bank volunteer or delivery driver? Holiday heroes can sign up free.
Other virtual holiday challenges
- runDisney virtual races are a good pick if you love Disney characters and want a fixed race distance with a themed medal for each one. Check runDisney's site for this year's dates.
- RunSignup and RaceMatcher list dozens of small virtual holiday 5Ks and mileage challenges, many with a medal and a local cause. Quality and shipping times vary, so read the details.
- The Conqueror isn't holiday-themed, but its route challenges (like Route 66) come with a medal and run on your own schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual holiday running challenge?
A virtual holiday challenge is a walking or running goal you complete on your own routes and schedule between November and New Year's. You log your distance in an app, and most challenges mail a medal or other reward when you sign up or finish.
When is Holiday Hustle 2026?
Holiday Hustle runs November 1 to December 31, 2026. Sign-ups close December 3.
Do I have to run?
No. Walking, dog walks, hiking, cycling, swimming, yoga and more than 50 other activity types all count toward your goal in the Run Across America app.
How much does Holiday Hustle cost?
Registration is $55. It includes the app for the season, bonus challenges, and one reward mailed to you: a 4" steel medal, a super-soft tee, or a knit beanie (+$5).
Is the medal real?
Yes. It's a 4" stainless steel medal, custom cut in full color by Ashworth Awards, who have made Boston Marathon medals for over 30 years.