Tacky Sweater 5k Run/Walk
Date and time
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Location
220 Lakewood Drive, Greenville, SC
Date and time
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Location
220 Lakewood Drive, Greenville, SC
Date and time
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Location
220 Lakewood Drive, Greenville, SC
Upstate Race Series
Tacky Sweater 5K Run/Walk
Lakewood Nature Preserve · Greenville, SC
Ho ho ho and welcome to the tackiest 5K of the year 🎅
Participant Feedback
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Two festive loops of 1.5 miles each through the wild and whimsical woods of Lakewood, on a grass cross-country style route, wide and rolling and sprinkled with just enough hills to jingle your bells. Wear the worst sweater you own. There is cash on the line for it.
Course or Race Highlight
A grass cross-country course is a rare thing to get to race on as an adult, and it is a completely different feeling from road or singletrack — wide, forgiving, and fast in a way that has nothing to do with pace. Two loops means spectators see you twice, which matters more than usual at a race where half the point is being looked at.
The Tacky Sweater Contest is judged at a tent after the race, with $50, $25, and $10 on the line and both team and solo competition. Spectator votes count — loud cheers, claps, and votes at the post-race party help crown the People's Choice. Kick back by the barn, soak up the holly-jolly vibes, and enjoy festive tunes, fun photo ops, and all the cozy feels.
Race Day Details
WhatTacky Sweater 5K Run/Walk — two festive 1.5-mile loopsWhenSaturday, December 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM startWhereLakewood Nature Preserve, Greenville, SCAddress220 Lakewood Drive, Greenville, SC 29607Packet PickupBegins one hour before the run, race morning only, at 220 Lakewood Drive. You can register on your phone until the gun goes off.Time Limit1 hour to walk the 5K.
Course
Two festive loops of 1.5 miles each through the wild and whimsical woods of Lakewood, on a grass cross-country style route — wide and rolling, sprinkled with just enough hills to jingle your bells.
View Course Map →
Parking
Follow the parking signs at 220 Lakewood Drive. The parking fee is included in your registration, and your car will be parked adjacent to the finish line for easy access. There are four portable toilets on site.
Aid Stations
No water on course, but there is water at the finish line.
Available snacks:
BYOB-style post-race — bring what you like
Hydration:
Water at the finish line
Wildly Charged is our official hydration sponsor — look for the orange 5-gallon jugs at aid stations.
Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.
What's Included
Tacky Sweater Contest, With Cash
$50 for first, $25 for second, $10 for third. Team and solo competition.
Custom Race Bib
Your badge of the journey.
Chip Timing & Live Results
Track your effort, splits included.
Custom Finisher Medal
To commemorate the triumph.
Custom Race Tattoo
Wear the moment proudly.
Event-Themed Giveaways
A little extra swag for finishing strong.
Race Sticker
Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop.
Spectator Votes Count
Loud cheers, claps, and votes at the post-race party help crown the People's Choice.
Parking Included
Covered by your registration, adjacent to the finish line.
Post Race Vibes and Media Coverage
Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate.
Race Awards
Top 3 Overall (Male & Female)
The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack.
Age Group Awards (Male & Female)
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal — a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event.
Series Recognition
This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in this series:
Upstate Trail Series
Age Group Categories
0–9
10–12
13–16
17–19
20–29
30–34
35–39
40–44
45–49
50–54
55–59
60–64
65–69
70–79
80+
Giving Back
Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home — you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor.
Upstate Giving Series
Groups & Teams
$5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members
The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events — the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you.
Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more.
Good to Know
Are dogs allowed on the course?
Yes, just keep them on a leash.
Are headphones or earbuds allowed?
Yep — rock out.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
No. Packet pickup is race morning shortly before the race, so they can pick it up then.
Is there race-day registration?
Yep, you can register right on your phone until the gun goes off.
Where are the start and finish lines?
Adjacent to the barn and the parking lot.
Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items?
No, but your car will be parked adjacent to the finish line for easy access.
Are there restrooms near the start/finish?
Yes, we will have four portable toilets on site.
Will I get a medal or a shirt?
Yes on the medal. Shirts are sold and shipped separately.
What happens if there's bad weather?
Upstate Race Series races run rain or shine. In the event of lightning, extreme heat, or hazardous winter conditions, we'll post an update on this page and email registered runners as early as possible. Entry fees aren't refunded for weather delays — see Managing Your Registration below.
Can spectators come watch?
Spectators are welcome. Runner parking fills up race morning — if you're only here to cheer, plan for overflow parking nearby. You'll see your runner pass by every lap.
When will results and photos be available?
Live results post to the RunSignUp results page as each runner finishes. Free event photos are usually up within 48–72 hours on our Facebook page — we'll tag the album so it's easy to find.
Managing Your Registration
Everything about your entry lives in your RunSignUp profile. Sign in, find this race under your upcoming events, and make the change yourself — there is no need to email us first. From there you can:
•Transfer your entry to another runner•Switch to a different distance at this race•Transfer your entry to a different Upstate Race Series event•Update your personal details — name, address, emergency contact, shirt size•Manage add-ons, store items, and apparel purchases
All entries are final. We do not offer refunds or deferrals — but every option above stays open to you right up to race day, so a change of plans does not have to mean a wasted entry.
Manage My Registration →
Let's Stay Connected
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5K
1.5 mi