Ugly Sweater Dash Half Marathon

Event Overview

The Ugly Sweater Dash is a multi-distance holiday-themed run through Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Participants are encouraged to wear festive sweaters. The event offers three distances: a 5k, a 10k, and a Half Marathon.

Race Details

The courses are run on trails through Burke Lake Park. The route is described as fairly flat and well-maintained, though runners need to navigate some tree roots. The 5k and 10k are single out-and-back routes, while the half marathon course is completed twice as an out-and-back.

All races are chip-timed. The event is open to walkers. There is also a virtual run option for those who cannot attend on the scheduled date.

Registration & Amenities

Participants receive a finisher's medal and a technical (Drifit) event shirt. T-shirts are guaranteed for registrations before November 16. Prices increase by $5 on race morning.

There are multiple water stations along each course, with nine for the half marathon, three for the 10k, and two for the 5k. Gatorade is available at some stations.

Awards are given to the top three overall men and women, as well as first and second place in standard age group categories.

Series & Charity

Race points contribute to the organizer's Year-Long 5k, 10k, Endurance, and Back of the Pack series, as well as their Fall Series. The Back of the Pack is not a cut-off but a series for runners with paces above the listed times.

The event benefits the charity Paws for Purple Hearts, which provides assistance dogs and canine-assisted therapy for military veterans.

Logistics

Packet pickup and race-day registration are available on-site at Shelter A in Burke Lake Park. Participants are advised to arrive one hour before their race start time. Parking is available at Shelter A.

The event operates in all weather conditions unless officially canceled. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Events nearby