Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll 2026

Event Overview

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!

Ugliest Sweater Contest

Wear your tackiest sweater and you may win the Ugliest Sweater Contest.

Race Details

• Timing: The 5K Run and Walk is timed, the 1.5 mile walk is not.
• Entry Fee: Race entry fee includes race experience, custom hat, Jumbotron, finisher medals for all costume awards, gym access to stay warm before and after, course support, and post-race hot cocoa and treats!
• Photo Booth: Prior to the race, take some fun pics at the photo booth and we'll capture your picture in your outfit!
• Finish Line Treats: At the finish line, enjoy hot chocolate from a student-led food truck for $3, along with granola bars and water!

New Location and Route

If you missed the event last year, please note that we have moved to a larger venue where we can be indoors before and after!

• Venue: The race has moved to North Side Middle School, 300 East Lawrence, Elkhart, at the corner of Main Street and Bristol!
• Indoor Space: There is plenty of room to be inside before or after the race in this spacious gym!
• Course Overview: The scenic course will include much of the same area as last year that people enjoyed, through some charming small parks.
• Weather Reminder: 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!

Packet Pickup

• Friday, December 4: Check-in and packet pickup/Onsite Registration 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 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! 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.

Volunteer Opportunities

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!

More Information

For more details, please visit the official race page: Ugly Sweater 5K Run and Sweater Stroll.