Ugly Sweater Run DC

(12÷21÷13) This truly is one of the coolest races that I have participated in. I won 2 tickets and was able to retrieve my race packets from Sports Authority which saved a ton of time on race day.
It was about 60 degrees when we got started so I peeled off the sweater and ran in an ugly Christmas shirt & race sanctioned hat. This 5K had everything you would expect and more. Men in onesies, lots of Xmas PJs, snow, reindeer, elaborate mustaches, and human Christmas trees. Our MC called himself the Christmas Pimp and he was a riot. There were stations along the route providing water and hot chocolate. Given the fact that there were thousands of participants (12K+), the path was narrow. At times, it was difficult navigating around all of the strollers and little kids. Hopefully, next year they will widen the path. Once we finished, that’s when the real party began.
Samuel Adams vendors were in a partitioned square. There was music and lots of lines for the drinks. We tried the Angry Orchard Hard Cider and it was great. Very refreshing. After one cup, I’m doing every line dance I know (i.e. The Wobble, Cupid Shuffle, Blurred Lines, etc.). After the second cup of cider, everyone including babies and dogs were doing the Harlem Shake!!! It was hilarious. I knew I was feeling something when my friend hit my arm, to let me know I was being recorded (by the event videographers), and I didn’t stop dancing!!!
I got to say hello to the MD Burbs CM, Mike B. and other Unilocalers as we were leaving. I’m planning to have a team of people next year. The more the merrier. Thanks so much Unilocal!!!

A festive event overflowing with holiday cheer and fun!
Getting in:
We decided to pick up the packets the day of and it was fine. There was about ten minutes traffic coming in around 8:20 but at least it was moving.
We got our packets after standing in line for about 15 minutes, which included a really cute beanie that I swapped for the one I was already wearing.
The start/​course:
This is my first 5K so I don’t know how this fares with other 5Ks but there were no corrals and the race began 10 minutes late. I didn’t mind because I walked it with my mom but I definitely do not recommend this course as an event to PR. The course was muddy and went through a construction zone for about a mile (which means that you will be doing a lot of weaving through people if you are a runner). The zone hugs the Potomac though so still scenic and beautiful.
However, you ARE running in festive stocks and bulky sweaters with fuzzy beanies so the race is definitely about enjoying each other’s company and being blown away by everyone’s creativity on decking out their costumes in every way fathomable.
Finish:
The beer garden was overflowing with different types of beer and cider (boy, were they generous pours). It was awkward at this point because the beer garden was a roped off area in a parking lot, and there were no benches. Our only source of entertainment was voting for the best ugly sweater, but the MC was awesome and held the crowd very well.
There was no problem getting out. Remember your validation ticket on the way out.
Channel the kid in you and run the race with friends for a great, silly time!