FAQ’s

Friends of Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation:

The Friends of Glen Ellyn Parks (FGEP) was formed in 2015. A 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, FGEP solicits support for the Glen Ellyn Park District through volunteerism, gifts and grants and planned giving opportunities. A Board of Directors consisting of local community members act to improve the quality of life for the residents utilizing the Park System.

Their vision is to provide an opportunity for individuals, businesses and industry to partner with the Glen Ellyn Park District through donations, fundraising, grants, planned giving and community outreach.

Glen Ellyn Food Pantry:

For 35 years, the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry has been distributing groceries to our neighbors in need, and most recently, distribute 750,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious, and sustainable meals to 32,000 individuals.  Staff, Board Members and volunteers alike work 5 days per week inside Grace Lutheran Church, where their Pantry is housed, assisting guests who have lost his/her job, are disabled and cannot work, are senior citizens receiving a fixed income, or simply have difficulty making ends meet for any number of reasons.  They are there for these neighbors.  They are there to be the smile in their day that they may not otherwise experience.

Participants are encouraged to dress in comfortable, warm clothes and OF COURSE bring some holiday cheer. What says holidays more than sweaters of all sorts, Santa, and elves? We encourage everyone to dress up in their favorite holiday costume! We will be providing our first 1000 participants with Christmas Sweater Shuffle winter beanie hats. Runners will also receive a finisher’s medal following the race.

Packet pick-up will be Friday December 2, 2022 between 2PM-6PM and Saturday, December 11th between 9AM-2PM at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, located at 800 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn.

Picking up someone else’s packet? Don’t forget, you must bring a copy or screenshot of their registration confirmation.

One size fits all. Ah, the magic of the holidays.

The Shuffle begins and ends in downtown Glen Ellyn on Main Street. The rolling hills route proceeds northeast through residential areas, around Lake Ellyn, before looping around Glenbard West High School on the way back to downtown. There will be one aid station around the 1.6-mile point and each mile will be marked.

CSS Course Map

Yes. The 5K (3.1 miles) distance requires everyone to complete the race in the 1-hour time limit (19 minutes/mile pace) available before roads need to reopen. Please ensure that you can complete the distance in this timeframe, otherwise be prepared to move to sidewalks and follow regular pedestrian rules back to the finish.

As much as we love our furry friends, pets are NOT permitted in this race (even reindeer). This is for the safety of your pet and those around you. Service animals must be approved by the Race Director prior to race day. 

Please email Doug Flannery at: [email protected] with any questions regarding service animals.

Strollers are welcome, but must start the race from the back of the start corral. When running with a stroller, please be conscious of the other runners in front of you who may stop suddenly.

Recommended parking at the parking lots in and around Glen Ellyn. There is ample parking in and around the downtown area. Please review the Parking Map for nearest locations to the start and finish area.

After the run, results can be viewed on the Christmas Sweater Shuffle website. Participants will also receive an email with timing results following the race.

There are no overall or age group awards, but we will be recognizing best (and worst) sweater dress and other holiday costumes. Appropriate dress is required for this family, fun event.

For further questions, please contact the Race Directors, Doug and Lacie Flannery at: [email protected] or [email protected]