Working up a sweat in an ugly Christmas sweater

TRURO — Just when Brian Merrill thought he had seen the ugliest Christmas sweater possible, someone showed up with an even uglier one the following year.

“It’s incredible, I can’t believe there are worse sweaters out there than I’ve already seen,” Merrill said, with a chuckle.

His astonishment comes each year with the Ugly Christmas Sweater Run, which will take place in-person this year on Dec. 5. Last year's event was held virtually.

The run will be held at the TAAC Grounds on Golf Street in Truro and registration is open online through Race Roster (raceroster.com/events/2021/54702/uglychristmas-sweater).

The event is hosted by the Hub Town Runners (formerly Truro Run Tribe) and raises money for the Colchester Christmas Index program.

Merrill is co-organizing the event along with Corina Frank and Christine Bulk.

“It will be nice to see other runners and families out again,” Frank said. “Just getting outside, being active, and having fun.

“And it’s cool when people wear the sweaters and participate. It’s a way for one runner to meet another, just by commenting on their sweater.”

Bulk said this is their ninth year doing the run, although it didn’t always involve ugly sweaters.

“The first two years, I think we called it the Jingle Run,” she said. “It was the third or fourth year we thought, let's change it to Ugly Christmas Sweater Run.”

Frank said the concept brought more runners out and it kept growing each year. Even last year, under the virtual format, the trio agreed there was strong participation.

And although it’s back as an in-person event, COVID protocols will be in place, including proof of vaccination for those 12 and older. Participants under age 12 may attend with fully vaccinated parents. Masks will be required in the TAAC Grounds clubhouse and around the start/finish line.

Merrill said they had a separate kids' run in the past, but unfortunately, that will not be included this year.

“We usually have food for post-run and this year it will be a grab-bag and go, or people can enjoy it while they mill around outside,” Bulk said. “We have Christmas music playing throughout.”

Along with online registration, participants can register in person on the day of the event, which begins at 8 a.m. The main run takes place at 9 a.m.

Runners can choose between either a five-km or eight-km course.

“We have walkers, some people bring their pets, some bring strollers, it’s open to anyone,” Bulk said.

For additional information, people can call Bulk at 902305-1640.

The group wasn’t sure exactly how much money they’ve raised over the years but estimate it at between $10,000 and $15,000.

“Towards helping families have something for Christmas where they might not,” Frank said.