Ugly Sweater 5K Run or Walk and Sweater Stroll 2026

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!

The 5K course is actually 3.2 miles, but we will adjust the pace.

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!
• Plus- Runners get to vote on the best cheer station!  

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!