Ugly Sweater 5k, Presented by Northwestern Mutual

The Ugly Sweater 5k , presented by Northwestern Mutual, is coming up on Saturday, December 5, 2026 ! Hosted by the Rotary Club of La Crosse—After Hours (RAH), this festive, family-friendly event is one you won't want to miss. This year's race will be offered both in-person and virtually. Packet pick-up and race-day check-in will be at The Nature Place beginning at 3:00 p.m . with holiday music and character appearances to kick off the fun. Same-day registration will also be available. The race begins at 4:15 p.m. in Myrick Park , where participants will run or walk through the La Crosse marsh trails under sparkly lights, and finish at Rotary Lights in Riverside Park. An award ceremony will follow at 5:15 p.m . in the heated tent at Rotary Lights - complete with ugly sweaters, holiday lights, and plenty of cheer! How Your Support Makes a Difference Your generosity and continued support of RAH help us make an impact locally and internationally. In 2024–2026, we: Partnered with the Coulee Region Humane Society to create Shade for Paws & People, a sun shelter for families and furry friends. Sponsored first-year college students through GearUp, including shopping trips and care packages during their first semester. Supported a clean water project in Guatemala. Race Details The Ugly Sweater 5k, is meant to be a family-friendly event and a competitive race. All day-of and virtual participants will receive a racer bag with a one-of-a-kind Ugly Sweater 5k swag piece, along with other great goodies! Entry fees are affordable: Children 10 and under : Free with a non-perishable food item Ages 11-15 : $15 Ages 16+ : $30 before November 28; $35 after November 28; $40 same-day registration Virtual : $30 Map of the race course. Packet Pick Up information: Friday, December 4 : 4:00 - 5:45 p.m. at The Nature Place Saturday, December 5: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. at The Nature Place (pre-race) Shuttle Service: A shuttle will run between Riverside Park (333 N. Front St., La Crosse - the old CenturyLink building) and the Myrick Park Main Shelter. Riverside Park to Myrick Park (Race starts at 4:15 p.m.) Leaving Riverside Park at 3:00, 3:15, 3:30 and 3:45 p.m. (don't forget to give yourself enough time to park and get on the shuttle) Myrick Park to Riverside Park Leaving Myrick Park at 4:45 p.m. & 5:00 Riverside Park to Myrick Park Leaving Riverside Park at 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15, 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. We can’t wait to see you at this year’s Ugly Sweater 5k —where holiday spirit meets community impact! RACE RESULTS!