TestTacky Sweater 5K 2026

The Tacky Sweater 5K starts and finishes at Smartmouth Brewery in Norfolk, Virginia's Chelsea district. This December holiday race offers both a 5K run and a 5K walk, allowing runners and walkers to share the same morning. Mettle Events produces the event, which supports EVMS Melanoma Awareness. The route winds through Norfolk’s Chelsea neighborhood, using the brewery as the race hub before and after the 5K. The post-race party continues at Smartmouth Brewery, featuring food, entertainment, Smartmouth beer, awards, giveaways, and a Tacky Sweater contest. Having run for multiple editions, the sweater contest gives the day its distinct character: participants arrive ready to move, then stay in intentionally outlandish holiday attire.