The Tri Sout: Ugly Sweater Run 5k Race Report

Team, 'Nut Crackers and the Jingle Balls'

Race: The Ugly Sweater Run 5k
Website: http://theuglysweaterrun.com/
Where: Toronto, Ontario (Downsview Park)
When: Saturday, November 16th, 2013
Cost: $44.00 ($5 discount if you register as a team), was later on groupon for $20.00, kids and dogs for free
Start Time: 11:00 am
Aid Stations: 1 hot chocolate and water aid station on course and 1 at the finish line
Swag: custom vintage knit hat, a moustache, unlimited hot chocolate, badge pin and 2 Winter Lagers (if of age)

Race Kit

Pre Race:

Kevin set up Iyla's high chair and we had her in it for the first time! It's only been in the last few weeks that we have introduced cereal after her morning feed. She loves oatmeal and barley.

Iyla's first time in a high chair before breakfast

Iyla post breakfast covered in barley

We all got our ugly sweaters on, I had difficulty finding one under $50 (no way I was going to spend that much on an ugly sweater, and all the thrift stores we went to were out of them) so we just pinned Kaiser's stocking on my sweater from last year. I did however find the coolest reindeer leggings that I sported. After arriving at the race we met up with our good friends Katie and Jordan and their kids Georgia Rose, Hudson and their dog Cody. Here are their kids below in their Chariot stroller.

Georgia Rose and Hudson ready to rock

We all quickly went towards the start line since we only had about 3mins till the race started. We met up with more friends, Kat and Laura at the ID line to get our beer bracelets. As we drew near the start line it was awesome to see so many people, and dogs in holiday sweaters and hats. Like nothing else! We all started in the last corral of runners since we had with us the strollers and dogs.

Iyla Skye ready for her first 5k race with the sun shinning bright

Katie, Kat and Laura pre race

Everyone sporting their USR toques

Kev, Iyla Skye, Kaiser and I at the start line

The Race:

Once starting the dogs pulled us along, they were so excited to be part of it. As the dogs easily manoeuvred past others, Katie and I struggled while pushing the strollers to keep up without running anyone down. Just as we caught up with our four legged friends, it was time for their unashamed pit stop and us ladies took the lead. Along the route, Kaiser was getting tons of compliments on his dog ugly sweater and others even asked to take photos. He was a star!

Our first stop happened when we spotted a photo op at the inflatable reindeer. I've never been in a race before where there are actual photo stops set up along course, there was even a line.

The girls and Hudson posing by the reindeer

The dads turn

Second stop happened at the aid station for some hot chocolate. Quite weird having hot chocolate when our bodies were roasting from running in thick sweaters and in the warm fall day we had. On the course we came across a fork in the road where we had to decide if we wanted to climb the hill or stay on a flat route to the finish. We took the challenge to climb the hill, and that's when Kevin and I switched up running partners. I took Kaiser up while Kev pushed Iyla, and she slept the whole time. We had our third stop at the top to give the dogs some water and have our second photo op.

Kevin and Kaiser after the first hot chocolate station

Uphill

Made it to the top!

Race finish had the largest inflatable Santa Claus I had ever seen with a third photo op by a fireside. We had our second hot chocolate and gave Kaiser more water before heading home for the day.

Biggest Take Aways:

Great family race and way to start the holiday season
Always give ourselves an extra 30mins to get ready, we always take longer than we think
Non chip races from now on will be a must at least once a year for me and my family because it allows for a relaxed and fun filled atmosphere. I'm not saying I don't have fun during racing because I always do, but it's a different type of fun. There is a competitive edge to it and at this race (chip free), competition didn't even come into play
What a great workout for our dog, who spent the rest of the day and today sleeping

Finish line fireside

Post Race:

After the race we had Katie, Jordan, the kiddos and Cody back for lunch. This was great for all of us, the dogs are great friends and played the whole time. This works well for both our families because with having a baby, Kaiser doesn't get as much attention now as he once did. The girls got to play together and Hudson was entertained by all. Because weather has been so cold, we wanted to keep with the Christmas theme and have a hot meal. We made hot caramel-apple cider, and a creamy thick soup.