Runners Participate In 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater 5K

By KRISTI TAUSINGA

The Progress

The Mesquite Department of Athletics and Leisure Services along with the Friends of Mesquite Desert Stars Organization hosted the second annual Ugly Sweater Run event on Saturday December 18, beginning at the Mesquite Rec Center Park.

Runners and walkers who participated in the event braved the chilly morning for the 5K and fun run. The participants were decked out in the ugliest holiday sweaters and Christmas attire that they could find. “Elvis” even graced the participants with his presence, along with several very cute four-legged fans who also came dressed for the occasion!

The Ugly Sweater Run is a community event where people of all ages come together to support a special group of people. The proceeds of the race go to the Friends of Mesquite Desert Starss, an organization that supports our local Special Olympians. This year’s event raised over $3,000 for the group.

The 5K run had several participants in all age groups. Prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each age division.

The 5K race route began at the Rec Center and had runners travelling south along the walking trail all the way to Hafen Park. The route then turned north along Thistle Street and Woodbury Lane back to Old Mill Road where it proceeded back to the finish line at the Rec Center.

The shorter fun run had participants of all ages ranging from very young babies in strollers to several adults who have participated in the Mesquite Senior Games activities.

One participant, identified as “JB”, was fully decked out in a bright red suit with strings of Christmas lights adorning it and a green elf hat.
“I came out to participate in this because if we don’t get involved with the programs in the community, they go away,” JB said.

Dan and Amanda Thomas said that they came out to participate because they had been involved in special Olympics programs when they lived in Chicago. The Thomases are new to the community. “We feel like, not only is this a good way to support the special Olympics, but its a good way to meet new people and get involved,” Dan Thomas said.

Virgin Valley High School Cross Country Coach, Don Rappleye, participated in the 5K run along with five of his high school athletes. They also wanted to help with the fundraiser. “The motivation for me to be here on a chilly morning like this is 100% for the kids,” Rappleye said.

The event coordinator, Jairo Vallejo, recognized and thanked this year’s sponsors including Karen Fielding, Justine Jackson, MPOA, Mesquite Senior Games, Mercy Air, Guillen Heating and Cooling LLC, and Mesa View Regional Hospital.

Vallejo also thanked the many volunteers who helped to make the event possible.
“We are so happy that this event was able to happen again this year, after missing last year,” Vallejo said. “There is just so much support here in our community when it comes to the Special Olympics and people come together to make it happen. We truly have one of the greatest communities in the world”.