Ugly Christmas Sweater Run Beautiful Idea


Ugly sweater owners and unfortunate gift recipients rejoice because Haliburton is providing the perfect venue for you and your back-of-the-closet hidden shame.

With 30 pre-registered participants of all ages, the first Ugly Christmas Sweater Run/Walk is promising to be an inclusive fun-for-all community event.
Organizers Angela Andrews, a Dysart recreation pilot program steering committee member, and Andrea Mueller, the municipal recreation pilot project co-ordinator, invite participants to come with their tackiest, most hideous, craziest sweater and manliest moustache (fake or real), including Santa hats and Christmas decorations.
Mueller said the five-kilometre run/walk around Head Lake is all about participation for everyone.
“There might not be prizes for the fastest runner, but there will definitely be prizes for the tackiest sweater,” Mueller said. “We’re not sure if we’ll have [a prize] for the fastest runner. It’s more about getting out and who has the most cheer and spirit.”
Andrews said the idea for the event came from her desire to participate in an ugly sweater run. Instead of going out of town to one she thought she would organize a local one.
“It really fit in with the Santa Claus parades that are going on. There’s nothing really happening in November to get people active and outdoors,” Andrews said. 
After the run/walk portion, the organizers invite everyone to the Dysart Library for hot chocolate, cookies, Santa Claus and a photo area for people to take photos with props.

“The whole idea is to get anybody of all ages and all abilities out being active because it is free recreation,” Andrews said.
Although the pair encourages everyone to participate, spectators are not only welcome to line the route to cheer, but encouraged to bring bells, adding to the seasonal feel.
For more information contact Mueller at amueller@dysartetal.ca or call 705-457-1740 and leave a message on Tamara Wilbee’s voicemail.

by Darren Lum

http://www.haliburtonecho.ca/2013/11/18/ugly-christmas-sweater-run-beautiful-idea