Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k
- Date
- December 6, 2026
- Location
- 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH
- Distance
- 5K Run · 1 Mile
From the Organizer
The Zoo will host the inaugural Ugly Sweater 5K on Sunday, December 7 at 8:30 a.m., inviting runners and walkers to come in ugly sweaters and enjoy a one-of-a-kind race experience through the Zoo!
NOTE: There will not be a water stop on the course due to the cold weather. Water will be at the start and finish line, but runners are recommended to bring their own water bottle to the race if they would like water on the course.
Registration/Packet Pick-up: 7:00AM
5K Start Time: 8:30AM
1-mile walk Start Time: 9:00AM
Location: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Registration Pricing-
Pre-registration through December 4 - $30
December 5 through Race Day - $35
**Race Day Registration is Online Only!**
Spectator Information
Spectators wanting to come cheer on runners/walkers will need to purchase tickets to enter the zoo.
Zoo membership does not allow you free entry into the zoo.
Ticket prices are to be determined
Spectators must purchase tickets on-line only at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Website (link below):
Link Coming Soon!
Admissions will be there to scan the online ticket once purchased. The box office will not be open.
What You Get -
- Custom race t-shirt
- Finisher medal for all
- Post race refreshments
- Admission to the zoo
*Sorry, dogs are not allowed at this race
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
43°
Typical Low
32°
Chance of Rain
40%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cleveland Burke Ap, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Cleveland, OH
Population
367,523
as of 2023
Elevation
626 ft
Nearest Airport
CLE
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport · 13 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
181
Days to train
- Race
- Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k
- Date
- December 6, 2026
- Location
- 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH
Coming Up
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10K · 5K
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k?
- Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k is a running race held in Cleveland, Ohio on December 6, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k?
- Sunday, December 6, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio at 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k
Dec 6, 2026