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 and fun-filled day at the inaugural Catch the Elf 5k & 10k on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Markham, Cook! This exciting Christmas-themed race invites participants to not only enjoy a spirited competition but also support the Toy Box Connection, a charity dedicated to bringing joy to children in need through toys and books.
Runners can choose between a 5k or a 10k race, each featuring a delightful twist: a race elf will have a head start, and if you finish before them, you could win a special prize! The 10k starts at 9:00 AM followed by the 5k at 9:10 AM, with awards for the top overall finishers and age groups. Plus, kids aged 8 and younger can join in on the fun with their own race! Don’t miss Santa’s visit, who will be on site to hear children's Christmas wishes, and consider participating in the Secret Santa gift exchange for an extra festive touch. Join us in Markham for a truly magical day of running, giving, and holiday cheer!
Runners can choose between a 5k or a 10k race, each featuring a delightful twist: a race elf will have a head start, and if you finish before them, you could win a special prize! The 10k starts at 9:00 AM followed by the 5k at 9:10 AM, with awards for the top overall finishers and age groups. Plus, kids aged 8 and younger can join in on the fun with their own race! Don’t miss Santa’s visit, who will be on site to hear children's Christmas wishes, and consider participating in the Secret Santa gift exchange for an extra festive touch. Join us in Markham for a truly magical day of running, giving, and holiday cheer!
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 20, 2025 at 4000 W 155th St, Markham, IL.
RACE DETAILS
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: The 10k will start at 9:00 AM and the 5k will start at 9:10 AM. The 10k will repeat the 5k course twice.
Course Map [https://drive.google.com/file/d/12-ues-QUKj_crIHvPLaYWsymSxkD38GJ/view?usp=drive_link]
PACKET PICKUP: Packet pickup will be held on Friday, December 19th 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 20, 2025 at 4000 W 155th St, Markham, IL.
RACE DETAILS
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: The 10k will start at 9:00 AM and the 5k will start at 9:10 AM. The 10k will repeat the 5k course twice.
Course Map [https://drive.google.com/file/d/12-ues-QUKj_crIHvPLaYWsymSxkD38GJ/view?usp=drive_link]
PACKET PICKUP: Packet pickup will be held on Friday, December 19th 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
Reviews
Doing this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event. You'll be able to review this event once it's taken place.
Location
4000 W 155th St, Markham, 60428, IL, United States
Catch the Elf 5k & 10k
