Put the ‘sweat’ in the Ugly Sweater Run

Ugly Sweaters don’t get much of a run outside of the closet. Their irony, humor, and charm are only brought out for holiday parties, Christmas morning, and that one time you should have done laundry several days ago. Now there’s a chance to show pride in your ugly sweater as you sweat it out at the national Ugly Sweater Run in Fairmount Park on Dec. 17.

The Ugly Sweater Run, presented by Kahlúa, is a national running series benefitting One Warm Coat: an organization that supports over 3,000 coat drives each year. The run, originating in Denver, has expanded to eleven cities. The run was adopted in Philadelphia in 2013, and is coordinated by The Human Movement, the same organization responsible for bringing The Color Run earlier this year. After the 3.1 mile endeavor, runners will be rewarded with hot chocolate, and if you’re over 21, you could warm up even more with a free post-race cocktail from Kahlúa.

For those who want to show off their ugly sweaters but are terrified of the idea of running–and in December–can walk it out instead. Kids under the age of five are allowed entry for no fee, and strollers are permitted on the course.

Human Movement also encourages participants and their cheerleading loved ones to consider the donation of gently used coats this year’s event. One Warm Coat looks to continue to expand its reach through its partnership with the Ugly Sweater Run. They’ve supported over 20,000 drives to date and have provided coats for over four million people, including over 300,000 children. You can find out more about One Warm Coat via onewarmcoat.org, including finding ways you can help or donate beyond the race.

The Ugly Sweater Run will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. Registration is open, with an individual rate at $35. Team registration is also available. Register online, and check out more information at theuglysweaterun.com, and like them on Facebook.