Carolina Ugly Sweater 5k Walk/Run & 1k Elf Run
Updated
Sunday, December 6, 2026, first start 2:30 PM, in Cornelius (19818 N. Cove Road). Distances: 1K, 5K. Entry from $12 to $35; the 5K goes from $35 to $39 after November 30.
Course and race notes
Carolina's Ugly Sweater 5K and 1K Elf Run is BACK!!!!
5 Years strong!! December 6th. the best way to prepare for Christmas! Walkers, strollers and pets are all welcome to participate in the 5k!! Thank you to Dash Home Loans & Keffer Mazda of Huntersville for being the two main sponsors!
In the organizer's words, from the race's own listing.
Race details
Date
Sunday, December 6
2026 · in 29 days
Start time
2:30 PM
Earliest wave
Course
Road or path
Paved course
Distances
1K5K
Price
$12 to $35
Plus the platform's processing fee
5K goes up after Mon Nov 30 (in 23 days)
Registration
Open
Online signup closes Sun Dec 6 (in 29 days)
Opened Aug 10, 2026
Race day in Cornelius
Weather
57° / 36°F
Typical high and low for December 6, with a 30% chance of rain.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Charlotte Douglas Airport, NC (17.9 mi away). Averages, not a forecast; a forecast appears here a week out.
Daylight
7:18 AM – 5:11 PM
Sunrise and sunset on Sunday.
Calculated for the race location.
Near the start
Pin from the race's listed address. The start line can differ; check the race website for the course map. Directions
Parking
5 public lots and garages within 0.6 mi, the nearest 0.4 mi away.
Places to eat
- Waterbean Coffee cafe0.1 mi
- On the Roxx Cornelius restaurant0.2 mi
Distances are straight-line from the race address. Check the race website for official parking.
Plan your trip
For the night before, Sat Dec 5
Where to stay
2 within 1 mi (about a 20-min walk)14 within 3 mi19 within 5 mi
Hotel
Hotel 1 of 5: Comfort Inn & Suites Lake Norman
About 16 min walk0.8 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 2 of 5: Clarion Inn & Suites
About 18 min walk0.9 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 3 of 5: Hampton Inn
About 22 min walk1.1 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 4 of 5: Econo Lodge & Suites Lake Norman
About 23 min walk1.1 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 5 of 5: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cornelius/Lake Norman
About 23 min walk1.2 mi from the start
Check prices at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cornelius/Lake Norman →
More places on the map
See all places to stay near Cornelius, NC ↗
Prices checked November 4, 2026 and can change. Confirm on the booking site before you book. We may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Places from OpenStreetMap. Straight-line distances, so times are rough.
Trip cost
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Total $0
Race entry starts at the lowest listed price, before the platform's fee.