The Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll 2026 is a running and walking event held in Elkhart, Indiana on December 5, 2026. Participants can choose between a 5-mile run or a 5K distance, with both events starting at 8:30 AM from North Side Middle School. Entry fees range from $20 to $30. This themed event combines competitive running with a more leisurely walking option, making it accessible to athletes at different fitness levels. If you're traveling to Elkhart for the race, you'll want accommodation near the venue to minimize pre-race travel time on race morning.
From the Race Organizer
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 Contest1 The 5K Run and Walk is timed, the 1.5 mile walk is not timed. Race entry fee includes race experience, choice of hat, Jumbotron, Finisher medals for all, costume 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 from a student-led food truck for $3, granola bars, water and water! Reminder of new location and route in 2026: If you missed the event last year, please note that we have moved to a larger venue where we can be indoors and stay warm before and after! The race has moved to North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, Elkhart which is on the corner of Main Street and Bristol, in Elkhart. 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. You never know what the weather is going to be like in December, and thankfully we had the larger venue as it was a cold one! New in 2026: New course for the 1.5 Mile that includes Wellfield Gardens! Dogs are not allowed in Wellfield Gardens, so if you are participating in this distance, you are not allowed to bring your dog inside the park. However, you are welcome to bring your dog on the 5K if they would enjoy and are trained for that distance. 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- 300 Lawrence, Elkhart from 7:00 am - 8:15 am. Awards Finisher medals for everyone! 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 right at North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, Elkhart. 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 when you want to leave. 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!
Course & Travel Notes
Sunrise on race day is at 7:55 AM, with the Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll starting at 8:30 AM. The venue in Elkhart, Indiana sits at 764 feet elevation. December typically sees average highs of 36°F and average lows of 24°F, with measurable precipitation occurring on 40% of days. South Bend International Airport is 17.7 miles from the venue.
⛰️ 764 ft elevation☀️ Typically 36°F / 24°F · 40% chance of rain✈️ South Bend International Airport (SBN) — 17.7 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Elkhart, IN. 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.
Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll 2026 — Elkhart, IN
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 5.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Elkhart, IN.
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 Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll 2026 — Elkhart, IN?
Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll 2026 — Elkhart, IN takes place on December 5, 2026. The race is held in Elkhart, Indiana.
Where is Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll 2026 — Elkhart, IN held?
Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll 2026 — Elkhart, IN is held at North Side Middle School in Elkhart, Indiana.
Where can I find hotels near Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll 2026 — Elkhart, IN?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Elkhart. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
