Rochester Ugly Sweater 5K
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Event overview
The Rochester Ugly Sweater 5K is the 8th annual running event held in Mendon, New York on December 6, 2025. The event features a 5K distance with both in-person and virtual options and separate entries for Team Santa and Team Grinch. Proceeds benefit David's Refuge, an organization that provides weekend retreats and ongoing support for parents of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions.
Awards are planned for top overall finishers and age group winners. An ugly sweater contest will award prizes for Best Ugly Sweater, Most Creative, and Most Funny. Race giveaways include a choice of a custom Santa or Grinch stocking, a finisher medal that can be used as a tree ornament, a digital finisher certificate, and a custom ugly sweater bib.
Logistics and course
Packet pickup will be at the Cottage Hotel & Restaurant in Mendon; pre-race pickup details are listed as TBD. A course map is available online through a MapMyRun route for the 5K course.
Bathrooms and parking are available at the Cottage Hotel and Restaurant, Mendon 64 Restaurant at 1369 Pittsford Mendon Rd., and Mendon Tavern Ye at 3868 Rush Mendon Rd., which is across from the ballfield parking lot near the start and finish area. A post-race party and awards ceremony will be held at the Cottage Hotel of Mendon, with nearby food and drink specials at local establishments. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.