Running of the Elves
- Date Sun 6th December 2026
- Time 4:00PM EST
- Location Hillsborough, North Carolina
- Price $23.25
- Races 1 race
- Distances 1 Mile
Event summary
Join the festive fun at the 8th annual Running of the Elves on Sunday, December 6th, 2026, in the charming town of Hillsborough, Orange. This spirited event kicks off at 4:00 PM, just 10 minutes before the Hillsborough Holiday Parade, allowing participants to dash down the scenic route in front of a lively crowd. Runners will enjoy a fast-paced, mostly downhill 1-mile race while donning delightful Elf-themed attire, including an Elf t-shirt, hat, and bells, creating a vibrant spectacle of holiday cheer.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of a joyous tradition! BIB, shirt, and hat pick-up occurs on December 5th from 1-4 PM at the Farmers Market Pavilion, and again on race day from 3-3:45 PM at the corner of Mitchell and Queen Streets. With an entry fee of just $20, it's an affordable way to celebrate the season while getting in some fun exercise. Remember, parking can be busy, so arrive early! Bring your family, friends, and even your pets as you embark on this merry race through town. Make this holiday season unforgettable by joining in the Running of the Elves!
Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of a joyous tradition! BIB, shirt, and hat pick-up occurs on December 5th from 1-4 PM at the Farmers Market Pavilion, and again on race day from 3-3:45 PM at the corner of Mitchell and Queen Streets. With an entry fee of just $20, it's an affordable way to celebrate the season while getting in some fun exercise. Remember, parking can be busy, so arrive early! Bring your family, friends, and even your pets as you embark on this merry race through town. Make this holiday season unforgettable by joining in the Running of the Elves!
Organiser's Description
Hillsborough Running Club is proud to present the 8th annual Running of the Elves event.
Run in front of the Hillsborough Holiday Parade crowd. The race starts 10 minutes before the Parade begins, and follows the same route. Experience the joy of running fast downhill in front of thousands of cheering people.
Elf themed. Each participant has the option to select an Elf t-shirt, an Elf hat, and bells.
YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WEAR THESE DURING THE RUN. WE WANT TO SEE A SEA OF ELVES RUNNING THOUGH TOWN. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR SHIRT AND HAT ARE AND THAT THEY FIT. IF YOU FORGOT TO ORDER DURING REGISTRATION, OR YOU FIND YOU CANNOT LOCATE THEM FROM LAST YEAR, USE THE STORE MENU TO ORDER WHAT YOU NEED.
If you have a favorite Elf costume, feel free to wear that instead.
This is a 1 mile, fast, downhill (mostly) timed and themed race.
Date: 6th December 2026
Time: 4.00pm race start
Start location - on Mitchell Street downtown Hillsborough (between Caine and Queen Streets)
Finish location - Churton Street, outside the Historic Courthouse
Chip timed
Race entry before add ons (shirt, hat, bells) is $20.00
BIB/SHIRT/HAT PICK UP
Saturday 5th December, Farmers Market Pavilion, 1-4pm
Sunday 6th December, 3-3.45pm corner of Mitchell and Queen Streets near the start line, prior to the race [do not wait until after 3.30pm to arrive, or may not make the start in time]
PARKING
Hillsborough will be busy, so do not wait too long to arrive. Main parking areas are the parking deck next to Weaver Street Market on Nash and Kollock Street, or River Park Elementary School on St. Marys Road (close to the start area)
Pets and Stollers are welcome, but please keep moving, as the Parade will be underway as soon as the last person makes the turn onto Churton Street.
Run in front of the Hillsborough Holiday Parade crowd. The race starts 10 minutes before the Parade begins, and follows the same route. Experience the joy of running fast downhill in front of thousands of cheering people.
Elf themed. Each participant has the option to select an Elf t-shirt, an Elf hat, and bells.
YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WEAR THESE DURING THE RUN. WE WANT TO SEE A SEA OF ELVES RUNNING THOUGH TOWN. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR SHIRT AND HAT ARE AND THAT THEY FIT. IF YOU FORGOT TO ORDER DURING REGISTRATION, OR YOU FIND YOU CANNOT LOCATE THEM FROM LAST YEAR, USE THE STORE MENU TO ORDER WHAT YOU NEED.
If you have a favorite Elf costume, feel free to wear that instead.
This is a 1 mile, fast, downhill (mostly) timed and themed race.
Date: 6th December 2026
Time: 4.00pm race start
Start location - on Mitchell Street downtown Hillsborough (between Caine and Queen Streets)
Finish location - Churton Street, outside the Historic Courthouse
Chip timed
Race entry before add ons (shirt, hat, bells) is $20.00
BIB/SHIRT/HAT PICK UP
Saturday 5th December, Farmers Market Pavilion, 1-4pm
Sunday 6th December, 3-3.45pm corner of Mitchell and Queen Streets near the start line, prior to the race [do not wait until after 3.30pm to arrive, or may not make the start in time]
PARKING
Hillsborough will be busy, so do not wait too long to arrive. Main parking areas are the parking deck next to Weaver Street Market on Nash and Kollock Street, or River Park Elementary School on St. Marys Road (close to the start area)
Pets and Stollers are welcome, but please keep moving, as the Parade will be underway as soon as the last person makes the turn onto Churton Street.
Races
-
1 Mile Race
Incl. $3.25 Fee
Sun 6th December 2026 (4:00PM EST)
$23.25
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Downtown Hillsborough, Hillsborough, 27278, NC, United States
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Running of the Elves
