I was recently reminded that I am not a runner when I was passed by a corgi and a chain smoker while participating in the recent Bitters and Bones Turkey Trot. It didn’t even matter that the race was no longer being timed when I finally made the finish line.

The atmosphere was incredible as people gathered together with the singular focus of raising funds for local food pantries. Now, Saranac Lake’s BluSeed Studios is once again breaking out the ugly sweaters to raise funds to feed the creative spirit of area children.

BluSeed Studios‘ second 5K Ugly Sweater Fun Run/Walk is on Saturday, December 7th.  All proceeds go toward free spring break art classes for area k-12 students. This will be the third year that BluSeed has provided the free spring break art classes and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.  Children, students, and families that are not going away for a spring vacation have the opportunity to learn a new skill, attend a workshop, and have a creative outlet during mud season at BlueSeed.

Ugly sweaters are optional for the benefit run/walk on Saturday. Participants can run, walk, or dance their way around the course while knowing all proceeds will benefit children. Every participant will receive a commemorative tile as well as a raffle ticket for some handmade BluSeed artisan items.

Registration starts at 8:30 am at BluSeed, 24 Cedar St, Saranac Lake on December 7 with the run/walk starting at 9 am. Participation fees for the BluSeed Ugly Sweater Fun Run/Walk are $20/adults, FREE/students and children in strollers (compliments of the Saranac Lake Teachers Association), and $5/leashed dogs.

Advanced registration can be found online or participants can register the morning of the event. Donations are always accepted – just specify it’s for the free art classes. Prizes will be awarded for the top three male, top three female and top three student finishers, as well as the ugliest sweater.

Fingers crossed that I can pass the corgi this time.