Run Elf Run!
- Date Sat 5th December 2026
- Time 8:00AM EST
- Location Pontiac, Michigan
- Price $12.20 - $33.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and embrace the holiday spirit at the Run Elf Run! event, taking place on Saturday, December 5, 2026, in vibrant downtown Pontiac, Oakland. Kicking off at 8:00 AM, this festive run/walk is the perfect way to start your day before the much-anticipated 45th annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade. Participants can enjoy a scenic 5K race that promises not only a chance to stay active but also a delightful assortment of goodies, including a finisher's medal, a long sleeve Run Elf Run T-shirt, and post-race refreshments featuring beer and pretzels for those over 21.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Kids are invited to join in the excitement with the Santa Kids' Run, a charming 0.25-mile race that begins at 9:00 AM. Every young participant will receive a medal, a Scholastic book, and a tasty ice cream treat, making it a memorable day for the whole family. After the races, stick around for the WinterFUN Festival starting at 9:00 AM, filled with engaging activities and the joyful atmosphere of the parade. With prizes for top finishers and age group winners,
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Kids are invited to join in the excitement with the Santa Kids' Run, a charming 0.25-mile race that begins at 9:00 AM. Every young participant will receive a medal, a Scholastic book, and a tasty ice cream treat, making it a memorable day for the whole family. After the races, stick around for the WinterFUN Festival starting at 9:00 AM, filled with engaging activities and the joyful atmosphere of the parade. With prizes for top finishers and age group winners,
Organiser's Description
RUN ELF RUN!
Run/walk begins at 8:00 am, prior to the 45th annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade [https://www.holidayextravaganza.org/]!
Downtown Pontiac
START LINE located at the corner of Saginaw and Pike in downtown Pontiac
PACKET PICK UP will be inside the 7 North building (7 N. Saginaw St.), located between The Fillmore 13 Brewery [https://fillmore13brewery.com/] and Kegger Burger [https://keggerburger.com/].
Pre-Race: Friday December 4th, 3 pm - 7 pm. Race Morning: December 5th 6:30 am - 8:00 am.
Join in the holiday spirit and be part of a 45 year tradition in downtown Pontiac--the heart of Oakland County--prior to the annual Holiday Extravaganza parade, a collaboration with the communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake.
All participants for the 5K race will receive a...
* Finisher's medal
* Run Elf Run long sleeve T-shirt
* Race bib
* Finish line refreshments
* +21 - Beer and Pretzel*
The overall male and female 5K winners will receive a certificate for a FREE pair of running shoes ($180 maximum value) from Runnin' Gear [https://www.myrunningear.com/] in Waterford! 1st, 2nd & 3rd overall males and females get a unique Run Elf Run candy cane trophy. All age group winners (10 year increments) will also take home a candy cane trophy!! *candy cane trophies are replicas, not for human (or elf) consumption!*
Kids, help Santa and The Grinch catch the Gingerbread Man in the Santa Kids' Run! This 0.25 mile event will follow the 5K and begin at 9:00 am. All registered children will earn a medal, a Scholastic book and an ice cream treat. As soon as the kids are done you can walk down the street to the WinterFUN Festival [https://www.holidayextravaganza.org/index.php/winter-fun-festival], which commences at 9:00 am with many activities for the kids to enjoy before the real excitement starts with the parade!
* Post-race beer and pretzel will be available at The Fillmore 13 Brewery [https://fillmore13brewery.com/] until 10:00am. The Fillmore 13 is located at 7 N. Saginaw, in sight of the finish line. To claim your beer and pretzel you must present your ID to the brewery staff. A soft drink can be claimed in lieu of the beer.
Run/walk begins at 8:00 am, prior to the 45th annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade [https://www.holidayextravaganza.org/]!
Downtown Pontiac
START LINE located at the corner of Saginaw and Pike in downtown Pontiac
PACKET PICK UP will be inside the 7 North building (7 N. Saginaw St.), located between The Fillmore 13 Brewery [https://fillmore13brewery.com/] and Kegger Burger [https://keggerburger.com/].
Pre-Race: Friday December 4th, 3 pm - 7 pm. Race Morning: December 5th 6:30 am - 8:00 am.
Join in the holiday spirit and be part of a 45 year tradition in downtown Pontiac--the heart of Oakland County--prior to the annual Holiday Extravaganza parade, a collaboration with the communities of Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Waterford, and White Lake.
All participants for the 5K race will receive a...
* Finisher's medal
* Run Elf Run long sleeve T-shirt
* Race bib
* Finish line refreshments
* +21 - Beer and Pretzel*
The overall male and female 5K winners will receive a certificate for a FREE pair of running shoes ($180 maximum value) from Runnin' Gear [https://www.myrunningear.com/] in Waterford! 1st, 2nd & 3rd overall males and females get a unique Run Elf Run candy cane trophy. All age group winners (10 year increments) will also take home a candy cane trophy!! *candy cane trophies are replicas, not for human (or elf) consumption!*
Kids, help Santa and The Grinch catch the Gingerbread Man in the Santa Kids' Run! This 0.25 mile event will follow the 5K and begin at 9:00 am. All registered children will earn a medal, a Scholastic book and an ice cream treat. As soon as the kids are done you can walk down the street to the WinterFUN Festival [https://www.holidayextravaganza.org/index.php/winter-fun-festival], which commences at 9:00 am with many activities for the kids to enjoy before the real excitement starts with the parade!
* Post-race beer and pretzel will be available at The Fillmore 13 Brewery [https://fillmore13brewery.com/] until 10:00am. The Fillmore 13 is located at 7 N. Saginaw, in sight of the finish line. To claim your beer and pretzel you must present your ID to the brewery staff. A soft drink can be claimed in lieu of the beer.
Races
-
5k Run/Walk
Incl. $3.50 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Sat 5th December 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$33.50
This is a chip timed out-and-back 5K road race taking participants through the Holiday Extravaganza parade route just hours before it begins. The route is closed to traffic courtesy of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. The entire route is marked with orange cones so there's zero chance of getting lost. There is one water station on this route. -
0.25 Mile Santa Kids' Run
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sat 5th December 2026 (9:00AM EST)
$12.20
This event is a non-timed quarter mile run/walk for parents and children to enjoy together. Santa and The Grinch will encourage the kids to help catch the boastful Gingerbread Man! All registered children will receive a medal (different from the 5K medal), a Scholastic children's book and a sweet treat when they finish the run! Please remember the WinterFUN Festival will commence up the road at Saginaw & Huron St at 9:00am!
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1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac, 48342, MI, United States
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