NYCRUNS Ugly Sweater 5K
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
NYCRUNS Ugly Sweater 5K
The event is a holiday-themed 5K held in Prospect Park, Brooklyn on December 5, 2026. The course covers just under one full loop of the park with a final sprint up Center Drive and is USATF certified. The Festival Area is located in the Nethermead and is accessible via Center Drive or the walking paths off Well House Drive. Bib pickup, shirt distribution, bag check, and general race services are handled from the Festival Area on race day.
Start corrals are pace based and assigned by letter (AA through F); corral locations are on Well House Drive and assignments appear on the bib. Bag check requires a single clear bag (provided if needed, 18 x 24) and may be inspected. Portable bathrooms are placed in corrals, along the course, and after the finish. Water is available on course and post-race refreshments include a bottle of Essentia water, Gatorade, an apple, and a bagel with schmear.
Every registered runner receives a race tech shirt and a finisher medal unless they opt out at checkout; shirt sizes are not guaranteed and shirts are distributed on race day only. Race photos include one free downloadable image and optional paid packages. Bibs can be mailed for registrants within the U.S. who register at least 20 days before the event; members receive complimentary bib mailing and a 10% race discount. Registration closes the day before the race or earlier if capacity is reached.
Awards are given to the top three male, female, and nonbinary finishers overall and to the top three in each age group (9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over). Handcycle and Wheelchair divisions are accepted; athletes in those divisions are instructed to arrive early and be at the start line ahead of the corrals to ensure a safe race experience. Standard event policies apply, including no refunds or transfers, no strollers or dogs, restrictions on earbuds that hinder awareness, a ban on confetti cannons, and enforced time limits with marshal directions for safety. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
