The Ugly Sweater Run 5K is coming to Pittsburgh for the first time, giving participants the opportunity to celebrate the holidays while giving back to charity on Nov. 29 at PNC Park.
Hosted by Human Movement Management, an entertainment company best known for creating other events like the Zombie Run, Dirty Girl Mud Run and Oktoberfest Denver, the Ugly Sweater Run 5K is now in its fifth year.
“We have a great team which decides where to take the Ugly Sweater Run and Pittsburgh has a very active community that we wanted to bring some holiday cheer to,” Justine Spence, a spokesperson for Human Movement Management, said in a phone interview on Nov. 11. “The best thing about the Ugly Sweater Run is you finish it and think, ‘I just did a 5K and got a workout, but I didn’t even feel it!’”
This year, the ugly sweater run has partnered with Save the Children, an international organization that promotes children’s rights and helps with relief and support of children in developing countries.
“When you sign up for the run, you have the option for a Save the Children ticket, and that’s an extra $5 that goes directly to that organization,” Spence said.
Currently, tickets can be purchased at the event or online for $45, or $50 with the added fee for Save the Children. Each runner will receive a collectible Ugly Sweater Run knit-hat, unlimited hot chocolate and a Samuel Adams beer or Angry Orchard hard cider for those who are 21 and older.
The instructions for the 5K are simple. Rummage up your ugliest Christmas sweater and enjoy a closed course full of hot chocolate and water aid stations, fake snow machines and inflatable holiday decorations.
“We have music that plays throughout the entire 5K, so you’ll hear holiday songs during your run. Rest assured, this race will get you into the holiday spirit no matter what,” Spence said.
According to Spence, the run is untimed and there are no prizes for first place. The focus of the event is less on competition and more on fun and holiday cheer.
Following the completion of the course, participants along with their friends and family can enjoy post-run contests and other holiday-inspired activities. Participation in the run is not required for those who want to join their friends or family at the post-run celebration.
“At the conclusion of the event, you can bring the family out to enjoy all kinds of photo ops with our holiday backdrops and inflatables, and Santa will be making an appearance. We also do all kinds of contests and our announcers like to get creative,” Spence said. “We’ve had contests that range from ugliest sweater to best mustache and best beard. We’re a creative company and you just have to wait and see what happens because no one knows exactly what to expect.”
To learn more about the Ugly Sweater Run or to purchase tickets online, visit Human Movement Management’s website at humanmovement.me.
