Ugly Sweater 5K
- Date
- December 12, 2026
- Distance
- Ugly Sweater 5K · Best Dressed Pet
From the Organizer
It's tiiiiiiime! We want to see your ugliest, weirdest, or fanciest holiday ensemble on Saturday, December 12th for the Friends of the Met CAC Ugly Sweater 5K in Forest Acres, SC! Proceeds and donations will benefit Friends of the Met CAC, a non-profit organization established to support the mission of the Metropolitan Children’s Advocacy Center (Met CAC). The Met CAC provides essential services to children who are suspected victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and other types of maltreatment. Your support helps the Met CAC in their fight against child abuse.
The race will be officially timed by Charlestowne Road Race Services. Be sure to hang around after the race and enjoy a holiday themed awards celebration. Awards will be given to top finishers, as well as to the participant with the "ugliest" outfit.
Runners and walkers are invited to show off your pet's holiday outfit too. An award for best dressed pet will be given for furry friends too! Don't forget to register your best four-legged friend!
Packet Pick-up will be on Friday, December 11, 2026 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet Forest Acres, 4525 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206 or on race day between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. near Gills Creek Memorial Park.
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
62°
Typical Low
39°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Columbia Univ Of Sc, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Columbia, SC
Population
138,019
as of 2023
Elevation
290 ft
Nearest Airport
CAE
Columbia Metropolitan Airport · 9 mi
Major Hub
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 83 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Ugly Sweater 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
187
Days to train
- Race
- Ugly Sweater 5K
- Date
- December 12, 2026
Coming Up
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Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Columbia, SC
5K
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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 Ugly Sweater 5K?
- Ugly Sweater 5K is a running race held in Columbia, South Carolina on December 12, 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 Ugly Sweater 5K?
- Saturday, December 12, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina at Gills Creek Memorial Park, Columbia, SC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Ugly Sweater 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Ugly Sweater 5K
Dec 12, 2026