Eric Chambers definitely knows how to make an ugly impression with his clothing. And he wore his finest to run a 5K through downtown Manahawkin on Dec. 11.

THEY’RE OFF!: Runners take off from the starting line for the Ugly Christmas Sweater event Dec. 11. This year’s race had 73 finishers. (Photos by David Biggy)

“I used to wear billboard shorts for a long time, and I had to wear Hawaiian shirts as a bartender,” said Chambers, a Beach Haven West resident who finished 27th in the Ugly Christmas Sweater race but, more importantly, took home the top prize for the nastiest of getups.