Ugly Sweater 5k takes place in Hayward

The Hayward Dance Experience Show Stoppers Competition Team hosted the annual Ugly Sweater 5k Run and Walk event over the weekend.

The Ugly Sweater 5k is a festive race where participants wear their most outrageous or “ugly” sweater,  and is a part of larger Christmas In Hayward festivities during the holiday season. The race takes place at The Lot in downtown Hayward.

“I feel really privileged because I’m working alongside Ari, Billie Jo, Kelly, Wendy, all these amazing women and men, who are putting on these amazing events in our community for Christmas in Hayward,” says Nathan.

That’s Nicole Nathan, she is the founder and owner of the Hayward Dance Experience and also the yoga studio, Hayward Fitness Fanatics. She spoke to the WHSM and WBZH Station Manager Mark Lundeen representing the Show Stoppers Competition Team.

Nathan is a former dancer and decided to start the dance studio 12 years ago after parents in the community encouraged her to teach dance. Students range from ages 3 and up, including adults. 

Nathan says that the studio has about 9 students that go on to compete around the region and they are always looking for fundraising opportunities. This year the Hayward Dance Experience Show Stoppers Competition team had the opportunity to host the Ugly Sweater 5K event as a way to raise money for the competition team. 

“It’s a super fun family event and I’m always hopeful that it ends up being good weather,” says Nathan.

The Ugly Sweater 5k was originally scheduled for the weekend before, but was postponed due to extreme cold temperatures,

The event finished with awards for the top male and female finishers, along with a prize for best dressed, recognizing the most festive ugly sweater.

The Ugly Sweater 5k, Carols for Christmas, and the Gingerbread House contest, wrapped up the Christmas In Hayward festivities for this year.