The eighth-annual Syracuse Ugly Sweater 5K run was held Saturday morning at Onondaga Lake Park. The weather held up, the sun was shining and runners were in great spirits.

“Let go and be silly,” runner Jaime Torrese said. “It doesn’t matter how well you do, it’s just fun. Dress up and not be afraid.”

“Get in the holiday spirit,” runner Meghan McKeen said.

“I think sillier the better,” Torrese said.

This is Torrese’s third year participating in the run with her son Jonathan. They are a part of Ainsley’s Angels of America. The organization strives to ensure that everyone can participate in endurance events as well as build awareness for the special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life.

“Ainsley’s Angels is wonderful because they give us this stroller to help,” Torrese said. “And we have somebody to help push because I’m not as strong as I used to. But we love these events. It’s just great energy mental health wise is awesome and we get our children and families out.”

Helping Torrese cross the finish line is Meghan McKeen. She is a first-year student at Lemoyne College’s Therapy Occupational Graduate Program.

“I’m just happy to be here and to cheer on our buddy Jonathan here and just to be a part of a great community and enjoy this special day together,” McKeen said.  

The Syracuse Ugly Sweater 5K is part of the Dick's Sporting Goods Family Fit Series. A portion of the proceeds and donations will go to Ainsley’s Angels.

“These chariot riders are trying to be out here and have the same experience that everyone else is and they have the hero runners pushing them and they do a great job,” 5k Ugly Sweater Race director Michelle Samoraj said.