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Catch the Christmas Spirit Trail Run/Hike

5K RUN/1 MILE HIKE

POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 18 DUE TO WEATHER!!

Get into the 'Spirit' this Christmas season by finding Christmas spirits with us at Lake Thoreau! This is a fun, family-friendly holiday experience for everyone! Christmas spirits such as elves, Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, Frosty the Snowman, and even Cousin Eddie will be out in the forest at Lake Thoreau on December 11th. Participants have to find all of the Christmas Spirits and collect a Christmas goodie from each of them. After the race you can enjoy Christmas treats, hot cocoa, and apple cider while we roast marshmallows. Take a break from your holiday hassles and catch some Christmas spirits with us! Santa will be available for photos!


There will be a 5K Trail Run at 9:00 a.m., but the 1 mile hiking trail will be open all day to hike at your leisure.

Registration fees

5K Closed

must register by 12/4/21 to be guaranteed a shirt

  1. $25.00
    Nov 12 - Dec 17

5K - PBP Club and Friends of Lake Thoreau Members Closed

must register by 12/4/21 to be guaranteed a shirt

  1. $22.00
    Nov 12 - Dec 17

5K - Southern Miss Students Closed

must register by 12/4/21 to be guaranteed a shirt

  1. $18.00
    Nov 12 - Dec 17

5K - Kids w/ Shirt Closed

must register by 12/4/21 to be guaranteed a shirt

  1. $15.00
    Nov 12 - Dec 17

5K - Kids w/o Shirt Closed

  1. $5.00
    Nov 12 - Dec 17

1 Mile Fun Run/Hike w/shirt Closed

must register by 12/4/21 to be guaranteed a shirt

  1. $20.00
    Nov 12 - Dec 17

1 Mile Fun Run/Hike w/o shirt Closed

  1. $5.00
    Nov 12 - Dec 17

How to enjoy your Christmas outing!

5K Trail Run

  • Check-in for the 5K begins 8:00 a.m. at the main building.
  • Check in and grab your bag and t-shirt.
  • Race starts at 9:00 a.m.
  • Complete a task with each Christmas Spirit (12 total) and collect a goodie from each Spirit before you cross the finish line!

1 Mile Christmas Hike

  • Check-in at the main building anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • Grab your bag and t-shirt.
  • Hike the 1 mile course at your leisure. Complete a task with each Christmas Spirit (12 total) and collect a goodie from each Spirit.

Extra Christmas Fun

  • Santa will be available for photos.
  • Hot chocolate and marshmallow will be available for sipping and toasting ($1 per cup of hot chocolate or bag of marshmallows)
  • Lake Thoreau stocking stuffers will be available for purchase.

Contact information

Event contact
Mike Davis
Email
mike.davis@usm.edu
Phone
+1 601-520-1038