With their ugly Christmas sweaters, holiday socks and reindeer antlers, nearly 400 racers of all ages crossed the finish line for the Eugene Holiday Half Marathon, Kids Run and Hustle 10k and 5k.
Piper Ruiz, run director, started the run last year in association with her business Pink Buffalo Racing to share her holiday spirit and bring people together during the holiday season.
“We started the Eugene Holiday Half because we wanted to start a half marathon race in December and we love the holidays and what they stand for: family, gift giving, being together, generosity, sharing and making memories,” Ruiz said. “We thought wouldn’t it be fun to have a half in December in Eugene.”
With all three races taking place on the Fern Ridge Path in Eugene, this marks the second annual race. Participation is significantly higher this year with runners increasing from about 125 participants to now about 400″We have definitely grown this year,” Ruiz said. “Last year we dealt with a lot of the nuts and bolts and race details and it was really labor intensive.”
Not only is the half marathon a great healthy holiday activity for all ages and skill levels, but many of the proceeds from registrants are donated to local organization Ophelia’s Place. The organization is a community for girls ages 10 to 18 that aids young women through their physical, social and emotional development. Ophelia’s Place board members, interns and volunteers encourage you women with their support, homework help and various daily activities.
For Melissa Brown, senior at the UO, volunteering for the run was an opportunity presented to her through her internship at Ophelia’s Place. She is one of about 25 volunteers helping to direct runners to their final destination, supply water at aid stations and cheer and encourage eager runners.
“I wanted to volunteer because it sounded like a fun and festive event and I love that the proceeds go to such a great organization,” Brown said. “Plus, I love getting to interact with all the different people. My favorite part is getting the opportunity to help out and interacting and cheering everyone on.”
Along with starting the Holiday Half last year, Pink Buffalo Racing also sponsors four other races during the year. They include the Mardi Gras 5k in March, the Easter Egg Stash Dash in April, the Grapes of Half, a half and full marathon in late April and the Eugene Running of the Bulls featuring the derby girls in July.
“We are just so happy that people are happy and that it has grown,” Ruiz said.