Welcome back to the tackiest sweater run ever! Christmas time in the south can be a white winter land or a sweatfest for those who choose to cozy up with an ugly sweater and run through the nature preserve at Lakewood! The course runs through the nature preserve that includes two loops of 1.5 miles with a barn finish! Wear your TACKIEST SWEATER and join us for a fun run in the woods! The Preserve at Lakewood is a 120-acre parcel of land which features forest land, dirt trails, parking for 200, and of course, The Sustainability Education Center. The land is home to countless plant/animal species. Upon visiting, you can see red cedar and maple, hickory and flowering dogwood trees, white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail, woodchucks, box turtles, various types of mockingbirds, woodpeckers, blue jays and more. 

Get ready to don your most outrageous holiday attire for the Tacky Sweater 5k at the picturesque Lake Wood Nature Preserve! This unique race combines the fun of a tacky sweater contest with the beauty of a cross-country course that winds through one of the most scenic nature preserves in the area. Whether you're a competitive runner or simply looking for a festive way to stay active, the Tacky Sweater 5k offers a delightful experience for participants of all ages and fitness levels. As you navigate the trail, be prepared to encounter an abundance of wildlife, making this race a truly immersive nature experience.

The highlight of the Tacky Sweater 5k is undoubtedly the tacky sweater contest, where creativity knows no bounds. From glittering garlands to oversized ornaments, participants are encouraged to go all out in their holiday gear. Prizes will be awarded for the tackiest, most creative, and funniest sweaters, so let your imagination run wild! This festive and lighthearted competition adds an extra layer of fun to the race, ensuring that everyone crosses the finish line with a smile.

Beyond the fun and festivities, the Tacky Sweater 5k at Lake Wood Nature Preserve is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season in a community-centric environment. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners and nature enthusiasts as you share the trail and the joy of the season. After the race, relax and take in the serene beauty of the preserve, perhaps even spotting a deer or two. Don’t miss this chance to blend holiday cheer with a refreshing outdoor adventure—register today for the Tacky Sweater 5k and make this holiday season one to remember!

Event Details

• What: Tacky Sweater 5k (Run and Walk)

• When: Run starts at 10:00am

• Where: 220 Lakewood Dr. Greenville, SC 29607

• Packet Pickup: will begin 1 Hour prior to the run starts

Costume Contest:

CASH $$ Prizes

• 1st - $50

• 2nd - $25

• 3rd - $10

Wear It to Win It - All participants must wear their tacky sweater for the entire race to be eligible for judging. Sweaters tied around the waist or carried in hand won’t count!

The Tacky Scale - Sweaters will be judged on the following criteria: Creativity: The more outrageous, the better. Think blinking lights, ornaments, or 3D embellishments. Theme: Bonus points for holiday or running-related themes. DIY Bonus: Homemade sweaters earn extra points for effort!

All Ages, All Styles - Everyone can enter: kids, adults, and even pets!

Group Effort (Optional) - Enter solo or as a group. Teams wearing coordinated or complementary tacky sweaters can compete for the "Best Group Sweater" category.

Post-Race Judging - Judging will take place at the finish line during our awards. Contestants must gather at the Tacky Sweater Judging Tent

Photo Fun - All participants are required to pose for a "Tacky Sweater Finish Line" photo to complete their entry. The wackier the pose, the better!

Spread the Cheer - Encourage spectators to vote for their favorite sweaters by cheering, clapping, or voting at the post-race party!

These rules add a festive, lighthearted vibe to your 5k and give participants an extra reason to get creative while enjoying the event!   

Click for Strava Course Map - HERE

The 5k Route consists of two laps of 1.5 miles around Lakewood Nature Preserve. The course is 10 feet wide and all low cut grass with a "few" rolling hills. During the route keep your eyes up looking for deer, birds, and a few fox meandering through the woods.