Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
- Date Sat 19th December 2026
- Time 9:00AM CST
- Location Markham, Illinois
- Price $38.35 - $43.65
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for a festive celebration at the inaugural Catch the Elf 5K & 10K on Saturday, December 19, 2026, in Markham, Cook! This exciting Christmas-themed race promises to be a delightful way to enjoy the holiday spirit while supporting a great cause—the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, you can choose between the 5K and 10K distances, both of which feature a fun twist: each race will have its own elf with a head start. Finish before the elf and you could win a special prize!
The event kicks off at 9:00 AM, with packet pickup available on December 18th and race morning, starting at 7:30 AM. Participants can look forward to chip-timed races and awards for the top three overall finishers, as well as recognition for the top three males and females in various age groups. Don’t forget to bring a small running-related gift for the Secret Santa exchange and enjoy a special visit from Santa, who will be there to hear children's Christmas wishes. Join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and festive cheer while making a difference in the lives of children in need!
The event kicks off at 9:00 AM, with packet pickup available on December 18th and race morning, starting at 7:30 AM. Participants can look forward to chip-timed races and awards for the top three overall finishers, as well as recognition for the top three males and females in various age groups. Don’t forget to bring a small running-related gift for the Secret Santa exchange and enjoy a special visit from Santa, who will be there to hear children's Christmas wishes. Join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and festive cheer while making a difference in the lives of children in need!
Organiser's Description
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/].
Date and Location: December 19, 202 at NEW LOCATION IN 2026- TBA
RACE FORMAT: Each race (the 5k and the 10k) will have its 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!
AWARDS: Each chip timed race will have awards for the Top 3 overall as well as the top 3 males and females in various age groups.
SANTA'S PRESENCE: Santa will be on site to hear Children's Christmas Wishes.
SECRET SANTA: Drop off a $15 or less running related gift to choose a secret Santa gift after your race.
SECRET SANTA PARTICIPATION
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 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.
RACE START TIME: Both races will start at 9:00 AM
PACKET PICKUP: Packet pickup will be held on Friday, December 18th as well as race morning starting at 7:30 AM.
Friday packet pickup will be 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 PICKUP: 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.
RESULTS AND SHIRTS
LIVE RESULTS: Live results will be available online at www.ilpreptoptiming.com [https://www.ilpreptoptiming.com].
SHIRTS: A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration fee.
FOR THE KIDS
SANTA'S VISIT: Santa will make a special visit to hear kids Christmas wishes.
KIDS RACE: There will be a kids race for those 8 and younger.
ABOUT TOY BOX CONNECTION
How Toy Box Connection Works: www.toyboxconnection.com
Mission: Our mission is to connect children in need with toys and books.
Operation: We accept new and used toy/book donations and redistribute them to children through other non-profits.
Community Engagement: We conduct fundraising events to support our mission and improve literacy scores in schools.
Future Programs: We hope to initiate an Athletes Work Program for high school students.
Contributions on Race Day
While Toy Box Connection will never turn down donated gifts, they request gift cards from Amazon or Target to help them purchase gifts that match their demand. If you wish to donate, Legos are a great gift, as they are neither age nor gender restricted.
Date and Location: December 19, 202 at NEW LOCATION IN 2026- TBA
RACE FORMAT: Each race (the 5k and the 10k) will have its 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!
AWARDS: Each chip timed race will have awards for the Top 3 overall as well as the top 3 males and females in various age groups.
SANTA'S PRESENCE: Santa will be on site to hear Children's Christmas Wishes.
SECRET SANTA: Drop off a $15 or less running related gift to choose a secret Santa gift after your race.
SECRET SANTA PARTICIPATION
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 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.
RACE START TIME: Both races will start at 9:00 AM
PACKET PICKUP: Packet pickup will be held on Friday, December 18th as well as race morning starting at 7:30 AM.
Friday packet pickup will be 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 PICKUP: 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.
RESULTS AND SHIRTS
LIVE RESULTS: Live results will be available online at www.ilpreptoptiming.com [https://www.ilpreptoptiming.com].
SHIRTS: A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration fee.
FOR THE KIDS
SANTA'S VISIT: Santa will make a special visit to hear kids Christmas wishes.
KIDS RACE: There will be a kids race for those 8 and younger.
ABOUT TOY BOX CONNECTION
How Toy Box Connection Works: www.toyboxconnection.com
Mission: Our mission is to connect children in need with toys and books.
Operation: We accept new and used toy/book donations and redistribute them to children through other non-profits.
Community Engagement: We conduct fundraising events to support our mission and improve literacy scores in schools.
Future Programs: We hope to initiate an Athletes Work Program for high school students.
Contributions on Race Day
While Toy Box Connection will never turn down donated gifts, they request gift cards from Amazon or Target to help them purchase gifts that match their demand. If you wish to donate, Legos are a great gift, as they are neither age nor gender restricted.
Races
-
Catch the Elf 5k
Incl. $3.35 Fee & Long Sleeve Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (9:00AM CST)
$38.35
OPENS 13 OCT -
Catch the Elf 10k
Incl. $3.65 Fee & Long Sleeve Shirt
Sat 19th December 2026 (9:00AM CST)
$43.65
OPENS 14 OCT
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4000 W 155th St, Markham, 60428, IL, United States
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Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
