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
Get ready for a festive celebration at the 7th annual Running of the Elves, happening on Sunday, December 6th, 2026, in the charming town of Hillsborough, Orange. This exciting event kicks off at 4:00 PM with a joyful one-mile race that takes participants on a downhill dash through the heart of the community, right in front of the bustling Holiday Parade crowd. Runners are encouraged to don their best elf attire, including themed t-shirts, hats, and bells, creating a delightful sea of elves as they race along the route.
The race begins on Mitchell Street, between Caine and Queen Streets, and finishes at Churton Street, outside the Historic Courthouse. With a registration fee of just $20.00, participants can enjoy a chip-timed experience that promises both fun and festivity. Don't forget to arrive early for bib and shirt pick-up on Saturday and Sunday before the race! Join the celebration, bring your family, and make unforgettable holiday memories at this enchanting event that welcomes pets and strollers as well.
The race begins on Mitchell Street, between Caine and Queen Streets, and finishes at Churton Street, outside the Historic Courthouse. With a registration fee of just $20.00, participants can enjoy a chip-timed experience that promises both fun and festivity. Don't forget to arrive early for bib and shirt pick-up on Saturday and Sunday before the race! Join the celebration, bring your family, and make unforgettable holiday memories at this enchanting event that welcomes pets and strollers as well.
Organiser's Description
Hillsborough Running Club is proud to present the 7th 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
OPENS 01 OCT
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Downtown Hillsborough, Hillsborough, 27278, NC, United States
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Running of the Elves
