Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll 2026
- Date Sat 5th December 2026
- Time 8:30AM EST
- Location Elkhart, Indiana
- Price $22.20
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
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Event summary
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and don your ugliest holiday sweater for the annual Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll on Saturday, December 5, 2026, in beautiful Elkhart! This fun-filled event is perfect for everyone, from serious runners to casual joggers and even those who prefer a leisurely stroll. The 5K Run is a timed event, while the 1.5 Mile Sweater Stroll offers a more relaxed pace for participants of all ages. Everyone is encouraged to wear their tackiest sweater for a chance to win prizes in the Ugliest Sweater Contest, adding to the festive spirit!
Taking place at the new location of North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, the event promises a spacious gym for participants to warm up and enjoy post-race treats, including delicious hot cocoa. With scenic routes that weave through charming parks, this race is not only about competition but also about community and celebration. Participants will receive finisher medals, and awards will be handed out for top male and female competitors, as well as costume categories. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories while embracing the holiday spirit—mark your calendars for December 5, 2026,
Taking place at the new location of North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, the event promises a spacious gym for participants to warm up and enjoy post-race treats, including delicious hot cocoa. With scenic routes that weave through charming parks, this race is not only about competition but also about community and celebration. Participants will receive finisher medals, and awards will be handed out for top male and female competitors, as well as costume categories. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories while embracing the holiday spirit—mark your calendars for December 5, 2026,
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!
REMINDER OF NEW LOCATION AND ROUTE IN 2026:
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 4 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Elkhart Health & Aquatics in the Community Meeting Rooms, 200 East Jackson, Elkhart.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 at North Side Middle School gym- our NEW LOCATION- 300 Lawrence, Elkhart from 7:00 am - 8:15 am.
AWARDS
* Finisher medals for everyone!
* Top three overall Male/Female in the 5K
* 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!
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!
REMINDER OF NEW LOCATION AND ROUTE IN 2026:
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 4 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Elkhart Health & Aquatics in the Community Meeting Rooms, 200 East Jackson, Elkhart.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 at North Side Middle School gym- our NEW LOCATION- 300 Lawrence, Elkhart from 7:00 am - 8:15 am.
AWARDS
* Finisher medals for everyone!
* Top three overall Male/Female in the 5K
* 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!
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. $2.20 Fee & Festive Holiday Beanie!
Sat 5th December 2026 (8:30AM EST)
$22.20
Please 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. $2.20 Fee & Festive Holiday Beanie
Sat 5th December 2026 (8:33AM EST)
$22.20
Please 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 2026
