The Ugly Sweater 5K or 10K Race/Walk 2026

The Ugly Sweater 5K or 10K Race/Walk is a holiday run and walk in western North Carolina. Recent editions were held at Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard, with earlier events at The Riveter in Asheville. Participants wear intentionally tacky holiday outfits, making the start line a display of loud sweaters, costumes, and group ensembles instead of typical race attire. The Brevard course is largely flat, incorporating greenways, the Brevard Sports Complex vicinity, and town streets. The 5K route maintains under 100 feet of elevation gain, and the 10K covers this route twice. Participants receive a commemorative ornament, and bibs include a beer ticket. Results are chip-timed and available live, followed by a post-race party at Oskar Blues Brewery. Awards are presented to overall and age-group finishers, and a crew contest offers a team-based incentive for dressing up together.