Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
- Date Sat 19th December 2026
- Time 9:00AM CST
- Location Orland Park, Illinois
- Price $38.35 - $43.65
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Event summary
Get ready for a festive and fun-filled day at the 2nd Annual Catch the Elf 5k & 10k, happening on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at the scenic Centennial Park in Orland Park! This exciting Christmas-themed race not only offers an opportunity to get active but also supports a wonderful cause, benefiting the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity. Whether you choose to dash through the 5k or challenge yourself with the 10k, you'll have the unique chance to race against a designated elf who will start 1 minute and 30 seconds ahead of you. If you manage to finish before the elf, a special prize awaits you!
Join the holiday spirit with Santa making a special appearance to hear children's Christmas wishes, and participate in the fun Secret Santa gift exchange by bringing a small running-related gift. Both races kick off at 9:00 AM, with packet pickup available on December 18 and race day starting at 7:30 AM. A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration, and awards will be given to the top finishers in various age groups. Don’t miss out on this joyous event that combines fitness, community, and the magic of the holiday season!
Join the holiday spirit with Santa making a special appearance to hear children's Christmas wishes, and participate in the fun Secret Santa gift exchange by bringing a small running-related gift. Both races kick off at 9:00 AM, with packet pickup available on December 18 and race day starting at 7:30 AM. A long sleeve shirt is included with your registration, and awards will be given to the top finishers in various age groups. Don’t miss out on this joyous event that combines fitness, community, and the magic of the holiday season!
Organiser's Description
Join us for the 2nd Annual Catch the Elf race on December 19th. This Christmas themed race benefits the Toy Box Connection Children's Charity [https://www.toyboxconnection.com/].
DATE AND LOCATION: December 19, 2026 at Centennial Park in Orland Park
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, 2026 at Centennial Park in Orland Park
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
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15600 West Ave, Orland Park, 60462, IL, United States
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Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
