Registration for the Ugly Sweater 5K runs between $35 and $45. The race takes place on December 6, 2026, in Shelby Township, Michigan, at 4300 Main Park Dr, with a 9:00 AM start time. Participants can choose between a 1-mile or 6.2-mile running distance. A virtual participation option is also available for those unable to attend in person. This event caters to runners looking for a holiday-themed race experience with flexible distance options to suit different fitness levels and schedules.
From the Race Organizer
🎄🏃 Grab Your Ugliest Sweater — The Ugly Sweater 5K presented by KidsUnited Shelby Township is coming to town! 🏃🎄 Deck yourself out in your tackiest, most tinsel-covered sweater and lace up those running (or walking!) shoes for a jolly new fun run benefiting Feeding America and local food banks! 🦌✨ Here's why it matters: right now, more than 1 in 20 households across the U.S. are struggling to put food on the table — and nearly 1 in 10 families with kids are feeling that pinch too. This December, let's wrap our neighbors and community in a little extra warmth and make sure everyone enjoys a healthy, happy holiday season. 🎁 🎅 Two ways to jingle all the way to the finish line: Join us in person for our professionally timed race on December 6, 2026, or lace up virtually from anywhere! Hit the treadmill, jog through your neighborhood, or take a scenic stroll through your favorite park — however you deck the halls (or the pavement), you can complete your 5K anytime that works for you. So pull out the pom-poms, the reindeer antlers, and the light-up sweater — it's time to run for a reason and spread some holiday cheer! 🎉❄️ How It Works: 🎄 Select your race: in-person or virtual. Register online and receive your Beanie, race bib and participant packet. 🎄 When registering as VIRTUAL, select shipping add-on to have your packet shipped to you or plan to pick your packet up in person at KidsUnited at 45557 Mound Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48317 on December 4, 2026 from 5pm-7pm. 🎄 Race starts at 9:00am, day of check in begins at 8:00am. 🎄 Registration includes parking/admission to Stony Creek Metropark. 🎄 Virtual runners: run or walk your distance at between Dec 1- Dec 6. Report your time to Run Sign Up by December 6th at 12 PM. 🎄 Show off your favorite ugly sweater and share your run on social media using #UglySweater5K on our social page. 🎄 Make an impact—a portion of your registration fee goes directly to Feeding America and local food banks to help provide meals to families in need this holiday season. 🎁 Swag: Beanie or upgraded Knit Ugly Sweater, finisher medal and custom event bib. 🎁 Refreshments: Milk and cookies, and hot cocoa, available at the finish line! 🎁 Run for Free: Start a fundraiser during registration, raise $200 and have your registration refunded to you! 🎁 Add-on: During registration you can add on an Ugly Sweater with your included Beanie, or swap your Beanie to upgrade to the Ugly Sweater Age groups: Under 14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+. Let’s make spirits bright, spread holiday cheer, and take steps to fight hunger. Sign up today and help us make a difference! 📍 Where: Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316 📅 When: December 6, 2026 💙 Why: Because no one should go hungry this holiday season.
Course & Travel Notes
Plan for early December weather in Michigan with a high around 36°F and a low near 24°F, so bundle up in layers and bring a warm hat and gloves; there's also a 39% chance of rain, so consider a waterproof jacket just in case. The race takes place at 643 feet elevation in Shelby Township, with sunrise at 7:48 AM giving you some early light for the 9:00 AM start. The nearest airport is Selfridge Air National Guard Base Airport (MTC), located just 10.1 miles from the venue, making it convenient for travel planning.
⛰️ 643 ft elevation☀️ Typically 36°F / 24°F · 39% chance of rain✈️ Selfridge Air National Guard Base Airport (MTC) — 10.1 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Shelby Township, MI. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 6.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Shelby Township, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is The Ugly Sweater 5k 2026 — Shelby Township, MI?
The Ugly Sweater 5k 2026 — Shelby Township, MI takes place on December 6, 2026. The race is held in Shelby Township, Michigan.
Where is The Ugly Sweater 5k 2026 — Shelby Township, MI held?
The Ugly Sweater 5k 2026 — Shelby Township, MI is held at 4300 Main Park Dr in Shelby Township, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near The Ugly Sweater 5k 2026 — Shelby Township, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Shelby Township. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
