Weekend Workout: 4 Festive Events to Kick Off a Happy, Healthy Holiday
The holiday season is always a hectic, happy time of the year. But just because you’re busy buying presents, baking cookies and basking in the warm glow of a fireplace doesn’t mean you have to give up on working out this winter.
The first weekend of December is full of festivities that combine fitness, fun and holiday happiness. The upcoming weekend events offer an opportunity to celebrate the season while staying in shape. From sing-alongs to crazy costume contests, these four festive affairs promise exhilarating exercise and exciting entertainment for walkers, runners and cyclists alike.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Dash
When: Saturday, 9 a.m.
Where: Willamette Historic District (West Linn)
This fun and fashionable walk/run, hosted by the City of West Linn, is a great way to start your seasonal celebrations in style. Participants are encouraged to don their most dreadful holiday sweaters for this epic exercise event, which includes both a 5K and one-mile race. The 5K footrace through West Linn’s scenic nationally registered Willamette Historic District is set for 9 a.m. and costs $25 for adults, $15 for children and $65 for a family pass (two adults and two children). For those interested in an easier exercise event, the one-mile walk/run kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and costs $10 for adults, $7 for children and $27 for a family pass. Additional children cost $5. Registration for the Ugly Holiday Sweater Dash is offered online through the day of the race.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 50th Anniversary Sing-Along Ride
When: Saturday, 5–7 p.m.
Where: Portland Aerial Tram lower landing (SW PDX)
Half a century ago, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer aired for the first time on television across America. This Saturday’s celebratory Rudolph Ride is scheduled to set out during the exact hour the classic animation was originally broadcast on NBC in 1946. Participants can expect to pedal around the streets of Southwest Portland, stopping sporadically to sing along to favorite songs from the film with the help of portable audio/video equipment and lyric sheets. The five-mile route will include breaks at many of Downtown Portland’s popular sites including the holiday tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Cyclists should plan on meeting at the Portland Aerial Tram’s lower terminal at Southwest Moody Avenue and Gibbs Street by 5 p.m. on Saturday. The two-hour Rudolph Ride is free and does not require registration; cyclists are encouraged to bring warm drinks, snacks, rain gear and helmets.
Portland Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
When: Sunday, 7 a.m.
Where: Portland World Trade Center (SW PDX)
This funny, festive fundraising 5K is commonly considered one of this city’s most well-loved winter workout traditions. Portland’s Jingle Bell Walk/Run is part of a national series of events that aim to raise funding and awareness for arthritis. Contestants are encouraged to tie jingle bells to their shoelaces and dress in crazy, creative holiday-inspired costumes. Sunday’s festivities begin at 8 a.m. with contests for best adult, best youth and best team costumes as well as for best ugly sweater. The action is set to start at 8:30 a.m. with the 1K Kids’ Fun Run with the Elves for children 10 and under, followed by the 5K race at 8:50. Pre-registration for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk is closed, but you can still sign up on Sunday between 7–8 a.m. at the World Trade Center in Downtown Portland. Registration for racers 13 and older is $45, while kids 12 and under cost $20 for either race. These prices increase by $5 for runners who wish to be officially timed. Along with registration fees, competitors are encouraged to fundraise for the Jingle Bell Walk/Run. This year’s donation goal is $210,990.
HO HO 5K Run and Walk
When: Sunday, 10 a.m.
Where: Cook Park (Tigard)
The HO HO 5K is hosted by the Portland-area adventure running community X-Dog Events. This annual affair aims to celebrate the holiday season and collect charity donations for the Union Gospel Mission and the Oregon Humane Society. Sunday’s 5K course will take participants on a jolly journey along small streets, bike paths and park trails in or near Tigard’s Cook Park. After the race, finishers will receive warm drinks, Ho Hos and an Evergreen tree seedling. There will also be entertainment, prizes and a visit from the season’s star, Santa. Registration costs $25 for adults and $12 for kids 6–12. Children five and under are admitted free of charge. Anyone who donates canned food, jackets, blankets or pet food will receive $5 off.
