Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k

Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k takes place in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 6, 2026. The 5K sets off at 8:30 a.m. and a 1-mile run follows at 9:00 a.m., both on the zoo's paths. Festive sweaters are the point, runners and walkers are equally welcome, and the entry comes with a custom race shirt, a finisher medal and refreshments afterward. Water is available at the start and finish, and you are encouraged to bring your own bottle.

Two distances an hour apart make it realistic to run both if you want a longer morning, with the mile as a fast finisher after the 5K. Zoo paths bring turns and gradient changes, so keep something in reserve for the second half rather than banking time early. A word of warning on the theme: a thick sweater gets hot within a mile, so wear something you can loosen or carry.