Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k
- Date Sun 6th December 2026
- Time 8:30AM EST
- Location Cleveland, Ohio
- Price $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready for a festive and fun-filled morning at the inaugural Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5K on Sunday, December 6, 2026! Kicking off at 8:30 a.m., this exciting event invites both runners and walkers to don their most outrageous holiday sweaters as they navigate a unique course through the beautiful Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Participants can also join in a leisurely 1-mile walk starting at 9:00 a.m. Registration for the 5K is available for just $30 until December 4, and $35 from December 5 through race day. Be sure to hydrate, as there will be no water stops along the course, but water will be provided at the start and finish lines. Each participant will receive a custom race t-shirt, a finisher medal, and access to post-race refreshments—all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the zoo. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite participants, but remember to purchase tickets online for zoo entry. Don't miss out on this chance to celebrate the season in style while getting active!
Participants can also join in a leisurely 1-mile walk starting at 9:00 a.m. Registration for the 5K is available for just $30 until December 4, and $35 from December 5 through race day. Be sure to hydrate, as there will be no water stops along the course, but water will be provided at the start and finish lines. Each participant will receive a custom race t-shirt, a finisher medal, and access to post-race refreshments—all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the zoo. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite participants, but remember to purchase tickets online for zoo entry. Don't miss out on this chance to celebrate the season in style while getting active!
Organiser's Description
The Zoo will host the inaugural Ugly Sweater 5K on Sunday, December 6 at 8:30 a.m., inviting runners and walkers to come in ugly sweaters and enjoy a one-of-a-kind race experience through the Zoo!
NOTE: There will not be a water stop on the course due to the cold weather. Water will be at the start and finish line, but runners are recommended to bring their own water bottle to the race if they would like water on the course.
REGISTRATION/PACKET PICK-UP: 7:00AM
5K START TIME: 8:30AM
1-MILE WALK START TIME: 9:00AM
LOCATION: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
REGISTRATION PRICING-
Pre-registration through December 4 - $30
December 5 through Race Day - $35
**Race Day Registration is Online Only!**
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Spectators wanting to come cheer on runners/walkers will need to purchase tickets to enter the zoo.
Zoo membership does not allow you free entry into the zoo.
Ticket prices are to be determined
Spectators must purchase tickets on-line only at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Website (link below):
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Online Tickets for Spectators [https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/tickets-attractions/buy-tickets?keyword=DailyAdmission]
Admissions will be there to scan the online ticket once purchased. The box office will not be open.
WHAT YOU GET -
* Custom race t-shirt
* Finisher medal for all
* Post race refreshments
* Admission to the zoo
*Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race
NOTE: There will not be a water stop on the course due to the cold weather. Water will be at the start and finish line, but runners are recommended to bring their own water bottle to the race if they would like water on the course.
REGISTRATION/PACKET PICK-UP: 7:00AM
5K START TIME: 8:30AM
1-MILE WALK START TIME: 9:00AM
LOCATION: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
REGISTRATION PRICING-
Pre-registration through December 4 - $30
December 5 through Race Day - $35
**Race Day Registration is Online Only!**
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Spectators wanting to come cheer on runners/walkers will need to purchase tickets to enter the zoo.
Zoo membership does not allow you free entry into the zoo.
Ticket prices are to be determined
Spectators must purchase tickets on-line only at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Website (link below):
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Online Tickets for Spectators [https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/tickets-attractions/buy-tickets?keyword=DailyAdmission]
Admissions will be there to scan the online ticket once purchased. The box office will not be open.
WHAT YOU GET -
* Custom race t-shirt
* Finisher medal for all
* Post race refreshments
* Admission to the zoo
*Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race
Races
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 44109, OH, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k
