The morning of Nov 16th many ugly sweater owners find that one sweater that they have been trying to hind from all their family and friends. They put it on without looking in the mirror so they don’t change their mind and off they go to the ugly sweater run.
The ugly sweater run is a 5K ran, which is 3.1 miles long and it is a run for all ages. The race was held at the Red River Valley Fair. The whole purpose of this race is to bring awareness to a serious matter which in this case is ugly holiday sweaters. The registration goal for Fargo is 1,500 people since it is a first year event.
“The Ugly Sweater Run is a holiday event for everyone. Whether you love running, or you just want to be at an event with your friends,” says Leah Smith.
Series Director, Leah Smith says there are 12 directors to each race. Everyone who helps work on the race rely heavily on volunteers to help with the race in order for it to go smoothly.
“We would love to come back to Fargo every year and make it an annual event,” Smith says.
Mike Brennan is who is in charge of marketing of the race, believes that the race should be fun for all ages than a regular 5K ran. Everyone who helps runs the race promote being active and healthy, which is something people should learn at a young age.
“[It is] a good way to get outdoors and get some exercise during the holidays,” says Brennan.
During the race, instead of serving energy drinks at each pit stop, they will be serving hot chocolate, hot apple cider and also water to bring to holiday spirit to everyone. Everyone who is part of the race also partner up with charities and help give back during the holiday season.
“We encourage participants to bring new or un-opened toys and give it as a gift to the charity, Toys for Tots,” says Brennan.
Brennan says that they try to get as many sponsors as possible and one such as, StacheTats to have fun with mustache tattoos for all participants.
“This race would go on regardless of sponsorships. The reason for finding sponsors is to help add an element to make the race better,” says Brennan
Sisters, Amy and Nicky Grinseiner who love Christmas had a great time running the race and hope to do it again then it comes back next year.
“They did a good job with the atmosphere and making sure that everyone was having a good time and made it really fun,” says Nicky Grinseiner.