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 day at the Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5K, taking place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at the beautiful Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cuyahoga. This inaugural event invites both runners and walkers to don their most outrageous holiday sweaters and enjoy a unique race experience through the zoo's picturesque paths. The 5K will kick off at 8:30 a.m., with a 1-mile walk following at 9:00 a.m. Participants can expect a lively atmosphere, complete with a custom race t-shirt, a finisher medal, and post-race refreshments to celebrate the achievement.
As a note for participants, water will be available at the start and finish lines, so it's recommended to bring your own water bottle for the course. Registration is open now, with pricing set at $30 through December 4, and $35 from December 5 up to race day, which features online registration only. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite participants but must purchase tickets for zoo entry online. Join the holiday spirit and be part of this unforgettable event that combines fitness, fun, and festive cheer!
As a note for participants, water will be available at the start and finish lines, so it's recommended to bring your own water bottle for the course. Registration is open now, with pricing set at $30 through December 4, and $35 from December 5 up to race day, which features online registration only. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite participants but must purchase tickets for zoo entry online. Join the holiday spirit and be part of this unforgettable event that combines fitness, fun, and festive cheer!
Organiser's Description
The Zoo will host the inaugural Ugly Sweater 5K on Sunday, December 7 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-
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):
Link Coming Soon!
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-
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):
Link Coming Soon!
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
-
5K Run
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 6th December 2026 (8:30AM EST)
$32.80
OPENS 11 MAR -
1 Mile
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 6th December 2026 (9:00AM EST)
$32.80
OPENS 11 MAR
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3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 44109, OH, United States
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Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k
