The Carolina Ugly Sweater 5K Walk/Run & 1K Elf Run is a running event held on December 6, 2026, in Cornelius, North Carolina, at 19818 N. Cove Road. Participants can choose between 1 mile and 1 kilometer distances. The event starts at 2:30 PM. Entry prices range from $12.00 to $39.00.
From the Race Organizer
Carolina's Ugly Sweater 5K and 1K Elf Run is BACK!!!! 5 Years strong!! December 6th... the best way to prepare for Christmas! Walkers, strollers and pets are all welcome to participate in the 5k!! Thank you to Dash Home Loans & Keffer Mazda of Huntersville for being the two main sponsors! Please visit our sponsor section below & show some love to them for making this event happen!! This year each participant will receive: A coupon for a FREE chicken sandwich from any Chick-fil-A : Thanks Joe!! Everyone over the age 21 will receive 2 adult beverage drink tickets. Drinks include beer, wine & champagne/mimosas!! (Sponsored by Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery) All participants will receive a ticket for a free donut from Your Mom's Donuts the day of the event. All participants that register before December 1st will receive a Christmas race ornament. An Ugly Sweater race cup. The festive 5K and 1K Elf Run will start and finish in Jetton Village by Penny Lane formally known as Cornelius Drafthouse. Start time for the 5k is 230. The Kid's 1K Elf Run will start at 3:30 p.m. It is recommended for 10 and under. Awards for both races will be presented after the 1K around 345. Stick around for a ton of giveaways from local businesses after the awards!! Participants will have the option to purchase an Ugly Sweater t-shirt (softest in the Carolinas) for $10.00 until November 25th. There will be a ton of giveaways and a prize for best overall costume. This event will be so much fun for the entire family!! In addition, this is our nonprofit's biggest event of the year to raise money to get kiddos here in the area into sports who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Please make a donation and tell your friends and family to join us!! They can walk so there are no excuse!! Please visit our website to learn more: CREE Cares Website There will be a photographer and videographer at the event. By registering you agree to release any photos and video for public view. In addition, there will be one text sent to you about the event the coming year. We cannot wait to see you there!! Lets make some memories!! Check out the Christmas Vacation Giveaway down below!! The event is rain or shine. 2025 Watch Video 2024 Watch Video 2023 Watch Video 2022 Watch Video
Course & Travel Notes
The Carolina Ugly Sweater 5k Walk/Run & 1k Elf Run starts at 2:30 PM, well after sunrise at 7:18 AM on race day. The venue elevation is 830 feet. December in Cornelius, North Carolina typically sees average highs of 55°F and average lows of 34°F, with measurable precipitation on 31% of days. Concord-Padgett Regional Airport is located 12.1 miles from the venue.
⛰️ 830 ft elevation☀️ Typically 55°F / 34°F · 31% chance of rain✈️ Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) — 12.1 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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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 Cornelius, NC.
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 Carolina Ugly Sweater 5k Walk/Run & 1k Elf Run 2026 — Cornelius, NC?
Carolina Ugly Sweater 5k Walk/Run & 1k Elf Run 2026 — Cornelius, NC takes place on December 6, 2026. The race is held in Cornelius, North Carolina.
Where is Carolina Ugly Sweater 5k Walk/Run & 1k Elf Run 2026 — Cornelius, NC held?
Carolina Ugly Sweater 5k Walk/Run & 1k Elf Run 2026 — Cornelius, NC is held at 19818 N. Cove Road in Cornelius, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Carolina Ugly Sweater 5k Walk/Run & 1k Elf Run 2026 — Cornelius, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Cornelius. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
