The Tacky Sweater 5K is a running event held in Greenville, South Carolina on December 19, 2026. The race takes place at 220 Lakewood Drive and features a 5K distance. With a typical start time of 10:00 AM, participants have a mid-morning race window. Entry fees range from $10 to $29, making it an accessible option for runners of various budgets. Whether you're looking for a casual 5K or planning to compete, this December race offers a straightforward running experience in the Greenville area.
From the Race Organizer
🎄✨ HO HO HO and Welcome to the TACKIEST 5K of the Year! ✨🎄 Straight from the North Pole (okay, maybe more like South Carolina), it’s your jolly friend Christmas here, and I’m inviting YOU to jingle all the way through the woods at the Tacky Sweater 5K! 🎅🧣🎽 This isn’t just any run—it’s a full-blown festive fashion disaster parade on the move! Whether the forecast calls for snowflakes ❄️ or sweat beads 💦, nothing stops a South Carolina runner in a sweater covered in tinsel, blinking lights, and pure holiday joy! 🌟 🦌 Tacky Day Details: 🎄 WHEN: Race kicks off at 10:00am sharp (don’t be late—Santa's watching!) 🎁 WHERE: Lakewood Nature Preserve – 220 Lakewood Dr., Greenville, SC 🎁 PACKET PICKUP: Begins one hour before the run (plenty of time to fluff your sweater pom-poms!) Get ready for 2 festive loops (1.5 miles each) through the wild & whimsical woods of Lakewood! The trails are wide, grassy, and sprinkled with just enough hills to jingle your bells 🎶. Keep your eyes peeled for curious critters who might just mistake your outfit for a holiday decoration gone rogue! 🐿️🦃🦌 COURSE MAP HERE 🎉 TACKY SWEATER CONTEST 🎉 This is where the magic ✨ (and the mayhem) happens! 🎅 CASH PRIZES for the most spectacularly ridiculous sweaters: TEAM AND SOLO COMPETITION 🥇 1st – $50 🥈 2nd – $25 🥉 3rd – $10 👕 Rules of the Reindeer Runway: Sweaters MUST be worn the entire race (not tied around your waist like a last-minute elf escape). 🎨 Creativity – The wilder, the better (lights? ornaments? 3D candy canes? YES.) 🎄 Theme – Bonus for holiday or running-inspired looks! 🧶 DIY Vibes – Homemade disasters get extra love. 👨👩👧👦 All ages & styles welcome—kids, grownups, even your festive four-legged friends! 🐶 🧑🎄 Best Group Sweater – Grab your crew, match your holiday chaos, and shine together! 📸 Photo Finish Required – Strike a pose at the "Tacky Sweater Finish Line" (go ahead, throw in some jazz hands!). 🎤 Judging Tent Fun – Head there post-race to show off your style and collect your prizes! 🙌 Spectator Votes Count! Loud cheers, claps, and votes at the post-race party help crown the People’s Choice! 🌲 After the Race: Kick back by the barn, soak up the holly-jolly vibes, and sip on holiday cheer (BYOB-style! 🧃🎅). Enjoy festive tunes, fun photo ops, and all the cozy feels as we celebrate the season together. So grab your most horrendous holiday sweater (the itchier, the better), lace up those jingle-joggers, and run wild through the woods in full festive fashion. 🎄💨 This is one holiday event you’ll remember fa-la-la-long after the season’s gone!
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Greenville, SC. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 19.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Greenville, SC.
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 Tacky Sweater 5k Run/Walk 2026 — Greenville, SC?
Tacky Sweater 5k Run/Walk 2026 — Greenville, SC takes place on December 19, 2026. The race is held in Greenville, South Carolina.
Where is Tacky Sweater 5k Run/Walk 2026 — Greenville, SC held?
Tacky Sweater 5k Run/Walk 2026 — Greenville, SC is held at 220 Lakewood Drive in Greenville, South Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Tacky Sweater 5k Run/Walk 2026 — Greenville, SC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Greenville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
