Grab an ugly sweater for annual holiday 5k

New mechanical reindeer ride added to the fun

Runners wear festive attire to participate in the Ugly Sweater Run across the country.
The Ugly Sweater Run/for PhillyVoice

Start looking for those ugly sweaters, the gaudier the better, because on Dec. 17 the festive Ugly Sweater 5k Run returns to Fairmount Park. As far as races go, this is one of the most fun.

The start line includes massive inflatables, photo stations, games and holiday music. Then, across the finish line, there will be a mechanical reindeer ride (new to the race this year), a life-sized snow globe, fake snow and marshmallow guns to shoot.

Each Ugly Sweater runner also receives a custom vintage knit hat and a complimentary Kahlúa cocktail (for the 21-plus crowd).

At the end of the race, stick around to see the winners of best ugly sweater, best kid sweater, best pet attire, most original sweater, best team outfits, most inappropriate sweater, best family outfits, largest group/family, best beard, best fake beard and best mustache (real or fake).

All ages are invited to run or walk the 3.1-mile course, with children 5 and under allowed to participate for free. Individual registration begins at $35 per person.

The charity partner for the 2016 Ugly Sweater Run is One Warm Coat. Participants in the race are also invited to donate coats to the charity organization at the fun run. 


The Ugly Sweater Run: Philadelphia 2016

Saturday, Dec. 17
8 a.m. | $35-$45 registration
Fairmount Park

4231 Avenue of the Republic