The Ugly Sweater 5k

🎄🏃 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.