The Sweater Dash, Pleasanton

Most 5Ks feature participants in sweat-wicking T-shirts and shorts sprinting toward the finish line. But The Sweater Dash is different. During the fun run, runners and walkers don ugly sweaters to ring in the holiday season. Following the festive jaunt, participants head to the Ugly Sweater Party to celebrate their achievement with live music and holiday food. To add to the merriment, the event includes an award ceremony for Ugliest Sweater and a meet-and-greet with Santa, during which the winner of the Ugliest Sweater award can ask him for more stylish clothing.