Cloudcroft Ugly Sweater 5K 2026: Dates, Prices, Prizes
Published 4 November 2026
The Cloudcroft Ugly Sweater 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk is Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting and finishing at the Cloudcroft Pavilion, 1100 James Canyon Hwy. The race page lists a 4 p.m. start for the 5K and 4:05 p.m. for the walk, with an Ugliest Sweater contest, and registration is capped at 100 people, so sign up early.
It is one of the most festive ways I know to kick off December, with a short drive up the mountain from Alamogordo, your loudest holiday sweater and a cup of something warm afterward.
When and where is the Ugly Sweater 5K?
| Detail | What the race page lists |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, December 5, 2026 |
| Check in | Starts at 3 p.m. at the Cloudcroft Pavilion |
| 5K start | 4 p.m. |
| 1 mile walk start | 4:05 p.m. |
| Awards | 5 p.m., top 3 men and women in the 5K |
| Early packet pickup | Friday, December 4, 5 to 7 p.m., Cloudcroft Brewing Company, 1301 Burro Ave. |
| Start and finish | Cloudcroft Pavilion, 1100 James Canyon Hwy., Cloudcroft |
| Field size | Capped at 100 participants |
One line on the Race Roster registration page mentions a 4:30 p.m. start, so double check the start time when you register.
How much does it cost to sign up?
Prices go up as race day gets closer. These are the totals shown on the race page, including fees.
| Registration window | 5K | 1 mile walk |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 to 26 | $38.90 | $33.50 |
| November 27 to December 5 | $45.39 | $40.00 |
The race page says the custom long sleeve shirt is available if you register by November 23. All fees are nonrefundable, and there are no refunds or transfers if the event is canceled, so read the policy before you pay.
What else is happening that evening?
The race schedule lists a Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., followed by a downtown Christmas parade. I have not yet confirmed the tree lighting and parade details with the Village of Cloudcroft or the Cloudcroft Chamber, so check with them for the latest plans.
The race is organized by Wanderlust Running, and the page says proceeds benefit local nonprofits.
Tips for running in Cloudcroft in December
The Village of Cloudcroft says it sits at nearly 9,000 feet, much higher than Alamogordo, so the air is thinner and the evening will be cold. Layer under that sweater, bring gloves and a hat, and take it easy at the start if you are not used to the altitude. The drive up US 82 can get icy in winter, so check the forecast and read my winter driving guide from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft before you go.
What does this mean for families and newcomers?
Small town races like this are a fun, low pressure way to meet neighbors, and the walk makes it easy to bring the whole family. If you just moved here or PCSed to Holloman, Cloudcroft in December is a must see. For more holiday fun on the same day, the Alamogordo Christmas lights map has Pizza with Santa and Christmas on MainStreet in Alamogordo on December 5 too.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cloudcroft Ugly Sweater 5K in 2026?
It is Saturday, December 5, 2026, at the Cloudcroft Pavilion. The race page lists a 4 p.m. start for the 5K and 4:05 p.m. for the 1 mile walk.
How much is the Cloudcroft Ugly Sweater 5K?
From November 1 to 26, the 5K is $38.90 and the walk is $33.50 with fees. Prices rise to $45.39 and $40.00 starting November 27.
Is there a prize for the ugliest sweater?
Yes. The race page lists an Ugliest Sweater contest with prizes.
When is the shirt deadline for the Ugly Sweater 5K?
The race page says to register by November 23 to get the custom long sleeve shirt. Registration is capped at 100 people.
Where is packet pickup for the Cloudcroft Ugly Sweater 5K?
Early check in is Friday, December 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cloudcroft Brewing Company, 1301 Burro Ave. Race day check in starts at 3 p.m. at the Cloudcroft Pavilion.
Details come from the Cloudcroft Ugly Sweater 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk page on Race Roster, checked 4 November 2026. Times and prices can change, so confirm with the organizer before race day.