Starting line at Medford Ugly Sweater 5k
On December 20th runners got decked out in their finest (ugly) sweaters. The Medford Ugly Sweater 5k is a fun run that is truly fun. This is the first time I have taken the whole family to an event and we had a great time! I had to set aside my competitive nature and just enjoy this scenic run along the bear creek greenway through bear creek park.
Bear creek greenway about a mile in.
Packet pickup was easy and quick located at sports authority in the Rogue Valley Mall Friday from 11-6. The staff was friendly and even recognized my name from writing the preview for this event (I even got a few extra Kit Kats in my goodie bag as a result). The event started at 9 am and the weather wasn’t too bad – low 40s with a good chance of rain, but dry at the start. Plenty of port-a-potties as well, which is always nice for any running event.
The course was an out and back along the greenway, and looped around the dog park at Bear Creek Park. I had my 4/5 members of my family there and even brought little man in his jogging stroller. The event is kid friendly, and my 9-year-old daughter had a blast running her first 5k. The weather stayed clear till about 45 mins into the run when the rain started slowly coming down, but by then most the participants had finished. The event had food and music at the finish and even a cool photo booth to take pics of that ugly sweater (search #Medford5k on your favorite social media site to check out pics).
Me and my family before the run!
The Medford Ugly Sweater Run is one to mark your calendars for. A fun, casual run that gets you off the couch to burn some holiday calories. The event is well-organized and I will be doing this one again for sure.
