Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll 2025
- Date Sat 6th December 2025
- Time 8:30AM EST
- Location Elkhart, Indiana
- Price $27.50 - $32.80
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to don your most outrageous holiday attire for the Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Elkhart! This spirited event promises a delightful day for everyone, from serious runners to casual walkers and even your beloved pets. Participants can choose between the timed 5K Run/Walk or the leisurely 1.5 Mile Sweater Stroll, perfect for those looking to take in the festive atmosphere without the pressure of a clock.
Starting from the newly designated location at North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, Elkhart, this year's race features a scenic course that meanders through charming parks, ensuring a beautiful backdrop for your holiday fun. Join in the festivities before the race with a photo booth, and don’t forget to show off your ugliest sweater for a chance to win in this year's Ugliest Sweater Contest! Every participant will receive a unique finisher memento, and prizes will be awarded across various categories, including top finishers and best costumes. With free parking, plenty of indoor space to warm up, and delicious hot cocoa waiting at the finish line, the Ugly Sweater 5K is a must-attend holiday tradition!
Starting from the newly designated location at North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, Elkhart, this year's race features a scenic course that meanders through charming parks, ensuring a beautiful backdrop for your holiday fun. Join in the festivities before the race with a photo booth, and don’t forget to show off your ugliest sweater for a chance to win in this year's Ugliest Sweater Contest! Every participant will receive a unique finisher memento, and prizes will be awarded across various categories, including top finishers and best costumes. With free parking, plenty of indoor space to warm up, and delicious hot cocoa waiting at the finish line, the Ugly Sweater 5K is a must-attend holiday tradition!
Organiser's Description
The Elkhart Education Foundation is excited to host the annual Ugly Sweater 5K Run/Walk and 1.5 Mile Sweater Stroll. This is a fun-filled event for every person: the serious runner, the recreational jogger, walkers, and our furry friends!
Wear your tackiest sweater and you may win the Ugliest Sweater Contest (contest starts before the race). ECS student made finisher awards for all! Prizes will be awarded for the top Overall Male/Female in Adult, Youth and Teen as well as Age Group winners in each of 15 age divisions! Note: The Stroll is not timed, so there are no placement awards for that event, but everyone gets a Finisher memento!
The 5K Run and Walk is timed, the 1.5 mile walk is not. Race entry fee includes race experience, custom hat, Jumbotron, awards, Gym to stay warm in before and after, course support and post race hot cocoa and treats!
Prior to the race, take some fun pics at the photo booth and we'll capture your picture in your outfit!
At the finish line, enjoy hot chocolate and holiday treats!
NEW LOCATION AND ROUTE IN 2025:
We outgrew our location at NIBCO Water & Ice Park, so we are moving the start/finish to North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, Elkhart which is basically on the corner of Main Street and Bristol! There is plenty of room to be inside before or after the race in this spacious gym!
The scenic course will include much of the same area as last year that people enjoyed, through some charming small parks.
PACKET PICKUP
Check-in and packet pickup / Onsite Registration
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Elkhart Health & Aquatics in the Community Meeting Rooms, 200 East Jackson, Elkhart.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 at North Side Middle School gym- our NEW LOCATION- 300 Lawrence, Elkhart from 7:00 am - 8:15 am.
AWARDS
* Finisher mementos for everyone!
* Top three overall Male/Female in the 5K
* Top three Teen (12-17)
* Top three Youth (11 and under)
* 15 Age groups awards three deep in each for MF for the 5K Run/Walk
* Costume awards! Get in on the fun and wear your silliest, funniest sweaters and holiday gear! This is what makes this race so fun! Award categories: Best Male, Best Female, Best Teen, Best Youth, Best Group, Best Pet!
PARKING
There is plenty of free parking at North Side. Please follow directions from our parking lot attendants! You will enter and exit on the Bristol Street side so that there is no chance of being close to runners.
NOT REALLY A RUNNER OR WALKER BUT WANT TO HELP?
We need a lot of volunteers! Perhaps you have a friend or spouse who just isn't into running OR you want to help AND run/walk in the event! Good news! There are a lot of options! Just reach out and let our team know you want to help!
Wear your tackiest sweater and you may win the Ugliest Sweater Contest (contest starts before the race). ECS student made finisher awards for all! Prizes will be awarded for the top Overall Male/Female in Adult, Youth and Teen as well as Age Group winners in each of 15 age divisions! Note: The Stroll is not timed, so there are no placement awards for that event, but everyone gets a Finisher memento!
The 5K Run and Walk is timed, the 1.5 mile walk is not. Race entry fee includes race experience, custom hat, Jumbotron, awards, Gym to stay warm in before and after, course support and post race hot cocoa and treats!
Prior to the race, take some fun pics at the photo booth and we'll capture your picture in your outfit!
At the finish line, enjoy hot chocolate and holiday treats!
NEW LOCATION AND ROUTE IN 2025:
We outgrew our location at NIBCO Water & Ice Park, so we are moving the start/finish to North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, Elkhart which is basically on the corner of Main Street and Bristol! There is plenty of room to be inside before or after the race in this spacious gym!
The scenic course will include much of the same area as last year that people enjoyed, through some charming small parks.
PACKET PICKUP
Check-in and packet pickup / Onsite Registration
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Elkhart Health & Aquatics in the Community Meeting Rooms, 200 East Jackson, Elkhart.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 at North Side Middle School gym- our NEW LOCATION- 300 Lawrence, Elkhart from 7:00 am - 8:15 am.
AWARDS
* Finisher mementos for everyone!
* Top three overall Male/Female in the 5K
* Top three Teen (12-17)
* Top three Youth (11 and under)
* 15 Age groups awards three deep in each for MF for the 5K Run/Walk
* Costume awards! Get in on the fun and wear your silliest, funniest sweaters and holiday gear! This is what makes this race so fun! Award categories: Best Male, Best Female, Best Teen, Best Youth, Best Group, Best Pet!
PARKING
There is plenty of free parking at North Side. Please follow directions from our parking lot attendants! You will enter and exit on the Bristol Street side so that there is no chance of being close to runners.
NOT REALLY A RUNNER OR WALKER BUT WANT TO HELP?
We need a lot of volunteers! Perhaps you have a friend or spouse who just isn't into running OR you want to help AND run/walk in the event! Good news! There are a lot of options! Just reach out and let our team know you want to help!
Races
-
5K Run or Walk
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Festive Holiday Beanie!
Sat 6th December 2025 (8:30AM EST)
$32.80
CLOSEDPlease gather in front of North Side Middle School, 300 Lawrence, Elkhart by 8:15 am. Course announcements and safety information will be given. The race will begin at 8:30 am. You will be following Green Arrow signs. -
Sweater Stroll- 1.5 Mile
Incl. $2.50 Fee & Festive Holiday Beanie
Sat 6th December 2025 (8:33AM EST)
$27.50
CLOSEDPlease gather in front of North Side Middle School, 300 Lawrence Street, Elkhart by 8:15 am. Course announcements and safety information will be given. The Mile Stroll will begin at 8:35 am as soon as the runners go off. Follow the Pink arrow signs.
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North Side Middle School, 300 Lawrence Street, Elkhart, 46514, IN, United States
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Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll 2025
