Rochester Ugly Sweater 5K 2026

The Rochester Ugly Sweater 5K is a 5K run in the Rochester, New York area, usually held in early December with runners dressed for the holidays. Recent listings place it in Mendon, Honeoye Falls, and Webster, so the series appears to move among nearby communities rather than belong to one fixed start line. It supports David’s Refuge, a charity that helps caregivers of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions. The race leans hard into the costume side: runners get custom Ugly Sweater bibs, finisher medals that can hang as holiday ornaments, and access to a post-race party with awards. Charity Bib Runners are encouraged to raise $500 and receive a Santa or Grinch stocking. Prizes go to categories like Best Ugly Sweater, Most Creative, and Funniest, and past fields have included Elf on the Shelf outfits and a group dressed as toys from the Land of the Misfit Toys.