Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
- Date Sat 20th December 2025
- Time 9:00AM CST
- Location Markham, Illinois
- Price $38.35 - $43.65
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for a festive morning of fun and fitness at the inaugural Catch the Elf 5k & 10k, taking place on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, in Markham, Cook! This exciting Christmas-themed race promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, benefiting the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity. Runners of all ages can participate in either the 5k or the 10k, both of which kick off at 9:00 AM. In a unique twist, each race will feature a race elf with a head start of one minute and thirty seconds—if you finish before the elf, you’ll win a special prize!
Join in on the holiday spirit as Santa himself will be on-site to hear children's Christmas wishes, and don’t forget to bring a small running-related gift for the Secret Santa exchange! With awards for top finishers in various age categories, a fun kids' race for those aged eight and under, and the chance to receive a long sleeve shirt with your entry, this event is perfect for families and friends looking to celebrate the season together. Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes for a memorable day of giving back and spreading joy!
Join in on the holiday spirit as Santa himself will be on-site to hear children's Christmas wishes, and don’t forget to bring a small running-related gift for the Secret Santa exchange! With awards for top finishers in various age categories, a fun kids' race for those aged eight and under, and the chance to receive a long sleeve shirt with your entry, this event is perfect for families and friends looking to celebrate the season together. Mark your calendars and lace up your running shoes for a memorable day of giving back and spreading joy!
Organiser's Description
MAKE A PURCHASE FROM OUR SPONSOR, RUNNING FOR KICKS, AND RECEIVE A COUPON FOR $10 OFF YOUR ENTRY FEE.
Join us for the Inaugural Catch the Elf race on December 20th. This Christmas themed race benefits the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity [https://www.toyboxconnection.com/].
How it works:
* Each race (the 5k and the 10k) will have it's own race elf. The elf will get a One minute thirty second head start. If you finish before the elf, you will win a special prize!
* In addition, each chip timed race will have awards for the Top 3 overall as well as the top 3 males and females in the following age groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-55, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Older
* Santa will be on site to hear Children's Christmas Wishes
* Drop off a $15 or less running related gift and you'll be able to choose a secret santa gift after your race.
Both the 5k & 10k will start at 9:00 AM. The 10k will repeat the 5k course twice.
PACKET PICKUP: will be held on Friday, December 19th as well as race morning starting at 7:30 AM. Friday we will have packet pickup at Running for Kicks, 7158 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights from Noon to 6pm.
GEAR CHECK: We will have a gear check. We request that you keep all valuables in a safe location.
AWARDS: There will not be an awards ceremony. If you finish in the top 3 in your age group, please pick up your award before leaving the race site. _WE WILL NOT MAIL AWARDS NOT PICKED UP._
RESULTS: Live results will be available online at www.ilpreptoptiming.com [https://www.ilpreptoptiming.com] as well as this website.
SHIRTS: A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration fee.
FOR THE KIDS!: Santa will be making a special visit to hear kids Christmas wishes. In addition, there will be a kids race for those 8 and younger.
SECRET SANTA: Anyone interested in participating in our secret Santa can bring a small (value of $10-$15) running related gift. Turn it in, wrapped, at packet pickup and you will get you a special sticker on your bib to allow you to pick from the secret Santa pile after the race. First come, first serve. No exchanging of gifts after you have chosen one.
ABOUT TOY BOX CONNECTION
How Toy Box Connection Works
www.toyboxconnection.com
Accepting New & Used Toy/Book Donations, then connecting them To children In need
We are a childrens non-profit organization located here in the south suburbs.
WE ARE A NON PROFIT THAT HELP ALL OTHER NON PROFITS
Our Mission Statement: There is a world of children that need toys/books. With your help we can change that. TBC will be the connection between families and businesses who have new or used toys/books to donate then we will directly connect those toys/books to the children that need them. Our organization is the missing link in communities. We hope TBC will become the vessel that creates unity within our community. Our primary goal is to touch the life of a child through the gift of a toy/book.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC OR FAMILIES WE ASK YOU TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL NON PROFIT AGENCY IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF TOYS/BOOKS
How do we do this?
TBC accomplishes this by accepting new and gently used donated toys; we sort them locally at our warehouse. We then redistribute the toys to other non-profits who place those toys directly into the hands of the children who need them.
In order to operate we will need funding, thus, we continue to seek financial contributions through donations, grants and fundraising events. These events have included many family orientated activities for more community participation. Our website offers sponsors an opportunity for exposure as we thank them on the front page of the website. Anyone wishing to donate toys will be directed to the website, www.toyboxconnection.com for scheduling and contact information. The website will be an asset to all involved.
Our organization has already accomplished many other projects for children including a Children of Soldiers Project. We have placed toys in the hands of thousands of soldiers children while they are serving us across seas. What better way to bring joy to our soldiers than to bring happiness to their children.
Additionally TBC has engaged a Childrens Literacy Project to hopefully help improve the low literacy scores in our schools. We have assisted a countless schools with family reading nights. We have given students a book to read and an incentive toy for doing so , they were also given the book to keep as well . Get a child to read a book- perhaps improve their reading scores! Make reading fun!
One day we hope to get enough funding to engage our Athletes Work Program. This program will offer high school athletes with good grades to work flexible hours at the warehouse according to their practice and play schedule. Whether they can work four or ten hours a week TBC will allow them the flexibility, so they can earn a little income while continuing to do well in school and participating in their athletics. We feel its important to reward those students who are doing well academically and are active on team sports.
HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE ON RACE DAY:
While Toy Box Connection will never turn down any donated gifts, they request gift cards from Amazon or Target to help them purchase gifts that match their demand. If you do wish to donate, Legos are a great gift, as they are neither age nor gender restricted.
Join us for the Inaugural Catch the Elf race on December 20th. This Christmas themed race benefits the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity [https://www.toyboxconnection.com/].
How it works:
* Each race (the 5k and the 10k) will have it's own race elf. The elf will get a One minute thirty second head start. If you finish before the elf, you will win a special prize!
* In addition, each chip timed race will have awards for the Top 3 overall as well as the top 3 males and females in the following age groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-55, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Older
* Santa will be on site to hear Children's Christmas Wishes
* Drop off a $15 or less running related gift and you'll be able to choose a secret santa gift after your race.
Both the 5k & 10k will start at 9:00 AM. The 10k will repeat the 5k course twice.
PACKET PICKUP: will be held on Friday, December 19th as well as race morning starting at 7:30 AM. Friday we will have packet pickup at Running for Kicks, 7158 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights from Noon to 6pm.
GEAR CHECK: We will have a gear check. We request that you keep all valuables in a safe location.
AWARDS: There will not be an awards ceremony. If you finish in the top 3 in your age group, please pick up your award before leaving the race site. _WE WILL NOT MAIL AWARDS NOT PICKED UP._
RESULTS: Live results will be available online at www.ilpreptoptiming.com [https://www.ilpreptoptiming.com] as well as this website.
SHIRTS: A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration fee.
FOR THE KIDS!: Santa will be making a special visit to hear kids Christmas wishes. In addition, there will be a kids race for those 8 and younger.
SECRET SANTA: Anyone interested in participating in our secret Santa can bring a small (value of $10-$15) running related gift. Turn it in, wrapped, at packet pickup and you will get you a special sticker on your bib to allow you to pick from the secret Santa pile after the race. First come, first serve. No exchanging of gifts after you have chosen one.
ABOUT TOY BOX CONNECTION
How Toy Box Connection Works
www.toyboxconnection.com
Accepting New & Used Toy/Book Donations, then connecting them To children In need
We are a childrens non-profit organization located here in the south suburbs.
WE ARE A NON PROFIT THAT HELP ALL OTHER NON PROFITS
Our Mission Statement: There is a world of children that need toys/books. With your help we can change that. TBC will be the connection between families and businesses who have new or used toys/books to donate then we will directly connect those toys/books to the children that need them. Our organization is the missing link in communities. We hope TBC will become the vessel that creates unity within our community. Our primary goal is to touch the life of a child through the gift of a toy/book.
PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC OR FAMILIES WE ASK YOU TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL NON PROFIT AGENCY IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF TOYS/BOOKS
How do we do this?
TBC accomplishes this by accepting new and gently used donated toys; we sort them locally at our warehouse. We then redistribute the toys to other non-profits who place those toys directly into the hands of the children who need them.
In order to operate we will need funding, thus, we continue to seek financial contributions through donations, grants and fundraising events. These events have included many family orientated activities for more community participation. Our website offers sponsors an opportunity for exposure as we thank them on the front page of the website. Anyone wishing to donate toys will be directed to the website, www.toyboxconnection.com for scheduling and contact information. The website will be an asset to all involved.
Our organization has already accomplished many other projects for children including a Children of Soldiers Project. We have placed toys in the hands of thousands of soldiers children while they are serving us across seas. What better way to bring joy to our soldiers than to bring happiness to their children.
Additionally TBC has engaged a Childrens Literacy Project to hopefully help improve the low literacy scores in our schools. We have assisted a countless schools with family reading nights. We have given students a book to read and an incentive toy for doing so , they were also given the book to keep as well . Get a child to read a book- perhaps improve their reading scores! Make reading fun!
One day we hope to get enough funding to engage our Athletes Work Program. This program will offer high school athletes with good grades to work flexible hours at the warehouse according to their practice and play schedule. Whether they can work four or ten hours a week TBC will allow them the flexibility, so they can earn a little income while continuing to do well in school and participating in their athletics. We feel its important to reward those students who are doing well academically and are active on team sports.
HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE ON RACE DAY:
While Toy Box Connection will never turn down any donated gifts, they request gift cards from Amazon or Target to help them purchase gifts that match their demand. If you do wish to donate, Legos are a great gift, as they are neither age nor gender restricted.
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Location
4000 W 155th St, Markham, 60428, IL, United States
Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
