Ugly Sweater 5k

Ugly Sweater 5K: A Fun Run to Support Greater Lansing Food Bank & Feeding America.

Sign up to receive our Ugly Sweater 5k sweater and lace up your running shoes for the Ugly Sweater 5K, a fun run benefiting Feeding America (virtual runners) and local food banks (local in-person runners)! 

During the past two years, it has become clear that inflation and food prices are exacerbating hunger across America. According to a 2023 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2023 report, the number of people living in food insecure households in the U.S. in 2022 increased to 44 million. This is an increase of more than 30 percent for all individuals and 40 percent for children compared the previous year — the highest rate and number since 2014 and the largest one-year increase in food insecurity since 2008. (Greater Lansing Food Bank, 2023 Annual Report)

Join runners, walkers, and festive fitness lovers across the country as we come together to fight hunger—one stride at a time. Register for our in person and professionally timed event on December 5, 2026  or join virtually - Whether you hit the treadmill, jog through your neighborhood, or take a scenic route at your local park, you can complete the 5K anytime.

How It Works:

🎄 Select your race: in-person or virtual. Register online and receive your Ugly Sweater, race bib and participant packet.

🎄 When registering as VIRTUAL, select shipping add-on to have your packet shipped to you or plan to pick your packet up in person at Playmakers in Okemos, MI date TBD.

🎄 Run or walk your 5K (3.1 miles) at your own pace, wherever you choose or join us in person - location to be announced in early 2026.

🎄 Virtual runners: Report your time to Run Sign Up by December 5th at 12 PM. 

🎄 Show off your ugly sweater and share your run on social media using #UglySweater5K on our social page.

🎄 Make an impact—a portion of your registration fee goes directly to Feeding America and local food banks to help provide meals to families in need this holiday season.

🎁 Swag: Cable Knit Ugly Sweater, finisher medal and custom event bib.

🎁 Refreshments: hot coffee, cocoa and cookies available at the finish line! 

🎁 Run for Free: start a fundraiser during registration, raise $200 and have your registration refunded to you! 

🎁 Bonus: The best ugly sweater photos will be featured on our event page, and top fundraisers will win special prizes!

Let’s make spirits bright, spread holiday cheer, and take steps to fight hunger. Sign up today and help us make a difference!

📍 Where: To Be Announced.
📅 When: December 5, 2026
💙 Why: Because no one should go hungry this holiday season.

Register opens Spring 2026!

Join fellow runners on December 5, 2026 for the Ugly Sweater 5k. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Lansing.