2026 Ugly Sweater 5k, Presented by Northwestern Mutual
- Date Thu 26th November 2026 - Sat 5th December 2026
- Time 4:15PM CST
- Location La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Price $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to don your most festive attire for the 2026 Ugly Sweater 5K in La Crosse! Taking place on Saturday, December 5, this lively event, presented by Northwestern Mutual, promises a fun-filled day for the whole family. Participants can choose to join in person or virtually, making it accessible for everyone. The race kicks off at 4:15 P.M. in Myrick Park, where you'll run or walk through the beautifully illuminated La Crosse marsh trails, culminating at the enchanting Rotary Lights in Riverside Park.
Packet pick-up and race-day check-in begin at 3:00 P.M. at The Nature Place, featuring holiday music and character appearances to enhance the festive atmosphere. With affordable entry fees—free for children 10 and under with a non-perishable food item and just $30 for adults before November 27—there's no reason to miss out! Join us for an exciting award ceremony at 5:15 P.M. in a heated tent, where the spirit of the season shines bright. Lace up those sneakers, throw on your ugliest sweater, and help make a difference in the community at the Ugly Sweater 5K!
Packet pick-up and race-day check-in begin at 3:00 P.M. at The Nature Place, featuring holiday music and character appearances to enhance the festive atmosphere. With affordable entry fees—free for children 10 and under with a non-perishable food item and just $30 for adults before November 27—there's no reason to miss out! Join us for an exciting award ceremony at 5:15 P.M. in a heated tent, where the spirit of the season shines bright. Lace up those sneakers, throw on your ugliest sweater, and help make a difference in the community at the Ugly Sweater 5K!
Organiser's Description
The UGLY SWEATER 5K, presented by Northwestern Mutual, is coming up on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2026! Hosted by the Rotary Club of La CrosseAfter Hours [http://rotaryafterhours.org](RAH), this festive, family-friendly event is one you won't want to miss.
This year's race will be offered both in-person and virtually. Packet pick-up and race-day check-in will be at THE NATURE PLACE beginning at 3:00 P.M. with holiday music and character appearances to kick off the fun. Same-day registration will also be available.
The race begins at 4:15 P.M. IN MYRICK PARK, where participants will run or walk through the La Crosse marsh trails under sparkly lights, and finish at ROTARY LIGHTS IN RIVERSIDE PARK. An award ceremony will follow at 5:15 P.M. in the heated tent at Rotary Lights - complete with ugly sweaters, holiday lights, and plenty of cheer!
HOW YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Your generosity and continued support of RAH help us make an impact locally and internationally. In 20242026, we:
* Building a play structure at New Horizons in 2026-2027.
* Partnered with the Coulee Region Humane Society to create Shade for Paws & People, a sun shelter for families and furry friends.
* Sponsored first-year college students through GearUp, including shopping trips and care packages during their first semester.
* Supported a clean water project in Guatemala.
RACE DETAILS
The Ugly Sweater 5k, is meant to be a family-friendly event and a competitive race. All day-of and virtual participants will receive a racer bag with a one-of-a-kind Ugly Sweater 5k swag piece, along with other great goodies! Entry fees are affordable:
* CHILDREN 10 AND UNDER: Free with a non-perishable food item
* AGES 11-15: $15
* AGES 16+: $30 before November 27; $35 after November 27; $40 same-day registration
* VIRTUAL: $30
Map of the race course. [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6347778448/]
PACKET PICK UP INFORMATION:
* FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at The Nature Place
* SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at The Nature Place (pre-race)
SHUTTLE SERVICE:
A shuttle will run between Riverside Park (333 N. Front St., La Crosse - the old CenturyLink building) and the Myrick Park Main Shelter.
* Riverside Park to Myrick Park (Race starts at 4:15 p.m.)
* Leaving Riverside Park at 3:00, 3:15, 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. (don't forget to give yourself enough time to park and get on the shuttle)
* Myrick Park to Riverside Park
* Leaving Myrick Park at 4:45 p.m. & 5:00
* Riverside Park to Myrick Park
* Leaving Riverside Park at 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15, 6:30 and 6:45 p.m.
We cant wait to see you at this years UGLY SWEATER 5Kwhere holiday spirit meets community impact!
RACE RESULTS! (CHECK BACK LATER)
This year's race will be offered both in-person and virtually. Packet pick-up and race-day check-in will be at THE NATURE PLACE beginning at 3:00 P.M. with holiday music and character appearances to kick off the fun. Same-day registration will also be available.
The race begins at 4:15 P.M. IN MYRICK PARK, where participants will run or walk through the La Crosse marsh trails under sparkly lights, and finish at ROTARY LIGHTS IN RIVERSIDE PARK. An award ceremony will follow at 5:15 P.M. in the heated tent at Rotary Lights - complete with ugly sweaters, holiday lights, and plenty of cheer!
HOW YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Your generosity and continued support of RAH help us make an impact locally and internationally. In 20242026, we:
* Building a play structure at New Horizons in 2026-2027.
* Partnered with the Coulee Region Humane Society to create Shade for Paws & People, a sun shelter for families and furry friends.
* Sponsored first-year college students through GearUp, including shopping trips and care packages during their first semester.
* Supported a clean water project in Guatemala.
RACE DETAILS
The Ugly Sweater 5k, is meant to be a family-friendly event and a competitive race. All day-of and virtual participants will receive a racer bag with a one-of-a-kind Ugly Sweater 5k swag piece, along with other great goodies! Entry fees are affordable:
* CHILDREN 10 AND UNDER: Free with a non-perishable food item
* AGES 11-15: $15
* AGES 16+: $30 before November 27; $35 after November 27; $40 same-day registration
* VIRTUAL: $30
Map of the race course. [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6347778448/]
PACKET PICK UP INFORMATION:
* FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at The Nature Place
* SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at The Nature Place (pre-race)
SHUTTLE SERVICE:
A shuttle will run between Riverside Park (333 N. Front St., La Crosse - the old CenturyLink building) and the Myrick Park Main Shelter.
* Riverside Park to Myrick Park (Race starts at 4:15 p.m.)
* Leaving Riverside Park at 3:00, 3:15, 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. (don't forget to give yourself enough time to park and get on the shuttle)
* Myrick Park to Riverside Park
* Leaving Myrick Park at 4:45 p.m. & 5:00
* Riverside Park to Myrick Park
* Leaving Riverside Park at 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15, 6:30 and 6:45 p.m.
We cant wait to see you at this years UGLY SWEATER 5Kwhere holiday spirit meets community impact!
RACE RESULTS! (CHECK BACK LATER)
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Myrick Park to Riverside Park, La Crosse, 54601, WI, United States
2026 Ugly Sweater 5k, Presented by Northwestern Mutual
