Christmas Eve brings out the ugly in runners. Ugly sweaters, that is
They came in antlers and red stockings. They wore ornaments as headdresses and blinking lights as accessories. Most wore sweaters.
Ugly sweaters.
But that was the theme of the Christmas Eve Ugly Sweater 5k Run/Walk held Saturday morning on the Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail in Puyallup.
As a light rain fell, close to 300 runners gathered in clothing never seen at any other time of year. Some were dressed as Christmas gifts. A few wore Hanukkah themed sweaters.
Sandy Cooprider of Yelm was sporting a red sweater with “Santa’s Favorite” spelled out in sequins. Christmas themed socks and tights and red shoes completed the ensemble. Her husband Gary was wearing a bright green Grinch sweater.
“This is the only time we can wear this sort of thing,” Cooprider said. “I don’t think I can wear this in public.”
This is the event’s fifth year, said Kim Field, the executive director of event organizer All Things Fun Sports. The non-profit holds more than 20 fun runs and half marathons in Pierce County and other parts of the state. Proceeds benefit charities and causes.
Saturday’s Ugly Sweater run benefited nearby Rogers High School’s food pantry.
Field said the event has grown every year with about half the runners adopting the holiday themed attire.
“We came up with ugly sweaters because everybody loves ugly sweaters for Christmas Eve,” Field said.
Travis Desue wasn’t sure what his wife Grace wore to the race but he figured it was ugly, in keeping with the theme.
“She left when we were asleep,” offered the couple’s son Elijah, 9. Along with the Graham couple’s two other kids, Kora 9 and Tavion, 12, Desue had arrived after the runners left. The family lined up near the finish line holding signs, waiting for Grace to return.
“We’re out here to support,” Desue said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were taking requests in a leaky tent as runners gathered at South Hill Community Park on 86th Avenue East before the run. Nearby, Douglas firs were swaying in the wind as the rain picked up. The runners didn’t seem to mind.
Craig Godfrey was dressed neck to ankles in “Elf” themed clothing. Actor Will Ferrell’s face from the 2003 movie was amply represented.
“ ‘Elf’ is one of my favorite movies for Christmas,” Godfrey said. He volunteers with All Things Fun Sports.
Jorge De Santiago of Tacoma brought his dog, Bolleo, for the run. Both were wearing ugly sweaters and not for the first time this season, he said.
“We had an ugly sweater party last week,” he said.
This story was originally published December 24, 2022 at 11:58 AM.
