Despite rainy, muddy course conditions the Rudolph Ramble 8K was a great event put on by Fleet Feet. The corrals were self seeded for the crowd of about ~1,500 participants. Since they capped the event at 2,000 the course didn't feel overly crowded, and self-seeding worked. The course wasn't anything exciting, for anyone who does the fun runs on the lake front path frequently it was a pretty familiar route. But the real reason why you showed up on a rainy December morning (albeit a 60* December morning) was the race partners and the swag: Do Rite Donuts and the Rudy8K beanie.

I love that this race doesn't do a medal nor a t-shirt. I love the beanie from this year (and last year's toboggan) because it's something new and useful that you'll use all winter. I missed the foam antler this year but oh well.

Other vendors on site handing out freebies: Lolë hairties, Big Shoulders coffee, and CES Dunkin Donuts coffee and baked goods. Great festive atmosphere with carolers at the start and on-course. Quick results posted almost before noon.

And don't forget: there's a kids race option if they aren't up for the full 5 miles called the Donner Dash.