Cleveland Metroparks Ugly Sweater 5k
Updated
Sunday, December 6, 2026, first start 8:30 AM, in Cleveland (3900 Wildlife Way). Distances: 1 mile, 5K. Entry from $30; the 5K goes from $30 to $35 after December 4.
Course and race notes
The Zoo will host the inaugural Ugly Sweater 5K on Sunday, December 6 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.
In the organizer's words, from the race's own listing.
Race details
Date
Sunday, December 6
2026 · in 29 days
Start time
8:30 AM
Earliest wave
Course
Road or path
Paved course
Distances
1 mile5K
Price
$30
Plus the platform's processing fee
5K goes up after Fri Dec 4 (in 27 days)
Registration
Open
Online signup closes Sun Dec 6 (in 29 days)
Opened Mar 9, 2026
Race day in Cleveland
Weather
43° / 32°F
Typical high and low for December 6, with a 40% chance of rain.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Cleveland Burke Airport, OH (5.2 mi away). Averages, not a forecast; a forecast appears here a week out.
Daylight
7:38 AM – 4:57 PM
Sunrise and sunset on Sunday. The first start is 52 minutes after sunrise.
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
- Tiger Lot · free0.1 mi
- Tiger Lot A · free0.2 mi
- Otter Lot D · free0.2 mi
27 public lots and garages within 0.6 mi.
Places to eat
- Burger King quick biteunder 0.1 mi
- Old Brooklyn Nuitrition cafe0.1 mi
- Irie Jamaican Kitchen cafe0.1 mi
- El Rinconcito Chapin cafe0.2 mi
12 places to eat within 0.6 mi.
Nearest public restroom: 0.3 mi from the start.
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
3 within 3 mi39 within 5 mi
Motel
Hotel 1 of 5: Parma Hotel
About 9 min drive2.9 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 2 of 5: Extended Stay America - Cleveland - Brooklyn
About 9 min drive3.1 mi from the start
Check prices at Extended Stay America - Cleveland - Brooklyn →
Hotel
Hotel 3 of 5: Hampton Inn Cleveland Airport-Tiedeman Rd
About 9 min drive3.1 mi from the start
Hotel
Hotel 4 of 5: Fairfield Inn & Suites Cleveland Tiedeman Road
About 10 min drive3.4 mi from the start
Check prices at Fairfield Inn & Suites Cleveland Tiedeman Road →
Hotel
Hotel 5 of 5: The Ritz-Carlton
About 11 min drive3.7 mi from the start
Hotels on the map
See all places to stay near Cleveland, OH ↗
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.