2026 Ugly Sweater 5k, Presented by Northwestern Mutual

The Ugly Sweater 5k, presented by Northwestern Mutual, is coming up on Saturday, December 5, 2026! Hosted by the Rotary Club of La Crosse—After Hours (RAH), this festive, family-friendly event is one you won't want to miss.

This year's race will be offered both in-person and virtually. Packet pick-up and race-day check-in will be at The Nature Place beginning at 3:00 p.m. with holiday music and character appearances to kick off the fun. Same-day registration will also be available.

The race begins at 4:15 p.m. in Myrick Park, where participants will run or walk through the La Crosse marsh trails under sparkly lights, and finish at Rotary Lights in Riverside Park. An award ceremony will follow at 5:15 p.m. in the heated tent at Rotary Lights - complete with ugly sweaters, holiday lights, and plenty of cheer!

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Your generosity and continued support of RAH help us make an impact locally and internationally. In 2024–2026, we:

•  
• Partnered with the Coulee Region Humane Society to create Shade for Paws & People, a sun shelter for families and furry friends.
• Sponsored first-year college students through GearUp, including shopping trips and care packages during their first semester.
• Supported a clean water project in Guatemala.

Race Details

The Ugly Sweater 5k, is meant to be a family-friendly event and a competitive race. All day-of and virtual participants will receive a racer bag with a one-of-a-kind Ugly Sweater 5k swag piece, along with other great goodies!  Entry fees are affordable: 

• Children 10 and under: Free with a non-perishable food item
• Ages 11-15: $15
• Ages 16+: $30 before November 28; $35 after November 28; $40 same-day registration 
• Virtual: $30

Map of the race course. 

Packet Pick Up information: 

• Friday, December 4: 4:00 - 5:45 p.m. at The Nature Place
• Saturday, December 5: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at The Nature Place (pre-race)

Shuttle Service:
A shuttle will run between Riverside Park (333 N. Front St., La Crosse - the old CenturyLink building) and the Myrick Park Main Shelter. 

• Riverside Park to Myrick Park (Race starts at 4:15 p.m.)
  • Leaving Riverside Park at 3:00, 3:15, 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. (don't forget to give yourself enough time to park and get on the shuttle)
• Myrick Park to Riverside Park
  • Leaving Myrick Park at 4:45 p.m. & 5:00 
• Riverside Park to Myrick Park
  • Leaving Riverside Park at 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15, 6:30 and 6:45 p.m.

We can’t wait to see you at this year’s Ugly Sweater 5k—where holiday spirit meets community impact!

RACE RESULTS!