The City of Norman is decking the halls with running shoes and hideous holiday wear for their annual Ugly Sweater Run, set to take place on Saturday, December 13. The festive 5K is calling participants to brave the winter chill and showcase their most outrageous holiday sweaters, starting at 5 p.m. at Legacy Park. As stated by the City of Norman's official announcement, there's a mile of fun for everyone, with a one-mile fun run added to the jovial jamboree for those who prefer a shorter dash.
Apart from the traditional 5K race, the event also offers a one-mile fun run, suitable for fierce competitors, weekend warriors, and tykes alike. Participants will receive a fun finisher medal, a custom race bib, and for those racing the 5K, a timing chip to clock their speed. "Race shirts are available as a $15 add-on, with participants able to choose between a long-sleeved cotton t-shirt or a sweatshirt," informed the City of Norman. The remaining stock will be up for grabs at the event, so long as sizes and supplies haven't run dry.
The race sets off on Interstate Drive, by the southwest corner of Legacy Park and delivers participants a visually festive route, circling north towards the roundabout at Interstate Drive and Corporate Centre Drive before racers loop back. A winter wonderland awaits with snow machines at the start/finish line to augment the night's holiday magic.
"We are so proud of the amount of registrations for this run," Jeff Moody, the Norman Parks and Recreation's Program Coordinator, enthused in a statement. "This is our first ugly sweater run at night! We thought it would be fun to have holiday lights and light-up sweaters. The runners really dive into the themes and it makes it a lot of fun!" A host of local vendors, such as Raising Cane’s and Stretch Lab, will also be present to elevate the energy of the event, as stated by the City of Norman. With questions about the Ugly Sweater Run, festive enthusiasts can reach out to the city's Parks and Recreation Department at (405) 366-5472.
