Our guest blogger dressed as a GIANT sweater at the Ugly Sweater Run!
– Picture by Robin Luella
Run Oregon reader Robin Luella submitted her recap of the Ugly Holiday Sweater Run & Walk in Tigard via Submit a Guest Post in the “Contact Us” tab.
Looking for a fun 5k or one mile option to close out the year? Maybe something a little low key to do with the family?
My husband is not a runner, but he is easily roped into doing a “fun run” (or walk) with the kids while I trot ahead. This race is the perfect opportunity to get everyone out for a little fitness, no matter what the endurance or activity level is.
The race was a small and intimate affair. I am bad at estimates, but I think there may have been about 50 people participating. This race is only going to grow with each passing year, it was that much fun!
Cost and Beneficiary:
The race is free, but asking for donations for the Ladybug CDH Foundation. Participants were asked to bring 100% cotton receiving blankets, socks or hats. If it was easier, cutting a check for the foundation was acceptable (and appreciated) too!The Ladybug CDH Foundation hopes to raise awareness about a birth defect called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and raise money for research and treatment.
Location:
The 5k (or one mile option) was held at Summerlake Park in Tigard, OR.The paved paths through the park crossed over some wooden bridges and circled near frozen ponds and streams. Water fowl (geese and ducks) littered the area, as well as friendly dogs using the park and the “dog park” next door.
The course is pretty flat, with a mild upward incline that participants would encounter when first starting the race and the same incline again at the end of the first mile (or just after starting your second loop of the park).
Atmosphere:
The events started with a costume contest before the actually running or walking… What would an “Ugly Holiday Sweater” theme race be without costumes?Several trophies had been donated from a local thrift store and the race organizers used “her daughter’s ‘Barbie’ sweaters” to decorate each trophy. Awards were given to the ugliest sweaters, ugliest dog’s sweater and so on.
There were some really fantastic, fun and festive holiday sweaters there. One of the participants wore a “top hat” that was a brick design with black boots on the top like Santa’s feet on his way down the chimney. Then the sweater was green and done up like a tree.
I decided to forgo wearing an ugly holiday sweater and decided to dress up as one instead!
Many treats abounded for participants to enjoy before and after the race! Eggnog was donated by Alpenrose, coffee from Starbucks, bagels from Einstein Bagels and some pastries and holiday cookies that I believe were from a local grocery store.
There was also plenty of door prizes too. A fresh cut holiday wreath was available, 13 gift certificates to Veggie grill, gift cards to Foot Traffic and Pace Setter Athletic, and a free race entry to The Bald Peak Half.
Bibs were also available for fun at the race, as well as a link provided before hand to print out. I just love the logo of the runner in the detailed sweater she has on. Design created by Andrea Schwoebel (http://andreaschwoebel.com).
So, I hope I’ve convinced you to give this one a try next year. If anything, it’s untimed, so grab your friends and family visiting for the holidays and have some fun while helping out a really great cause close to the race director’s own heart.
You can’t go wrong and will be glad you went.
