Running of the Elves 5k

Saturday, November 21, 2026
7:45 AM CST
Central, Louisiana
$32.95–$38.50 · 3 races
1 Mile

Starts in 7 days

Event summary

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with joy and excitement at the 14th Annual Running of the Elves 5K, taking place on Saturday, November 21, 2026, in Central, East Baton Rouge! Participants are encouraged to don their best festive attire as they embark on a picturesque run around the charming city of Central. The event will begin bright and early, with the Fun Run starting at 7:45 AM, followed by the 5K race. All registered participants by November 9th will receive a coveted finisher's medal and a stylish T-shirt, while the post-race festivities promise to be unforgettable, featuring free pancakes, coffee, and delightful photo opportunities with Santa Claus!

This family-friendly event, held at Central Wildcat Stadium on Hooper Road, is not just about running; it’s a celebration of community spirit and holiday cheer. With awards for top runners in various age groups and a costume contest, there’s something for everyone! Plus, the event supports the Central Chamber of Commerce's Shop Small Business Saturday campaign, making it a great way to give back while enjoying a fun-filled day. Don’t miss out on this festive occasion—mark your calendars and get ready to run with the elves

Races

  • 1 Mile Fun Run

    Closes in 5 days

    Incl. $2.95 Fee & T-Shirt

    Participants registered by November 9th, 2026 will receive a t-shirt. Early packet Pickup will be at the Central Chamber Office on Friday, November 20th from 10:00am-5:00pm. Race day packet pickup begins at 6:45am.

    7:45 AM CST

    $32.95

    Register
  • 5k - Individuals

    Closes in 5 days

    Incl. $3.50 Fee & T-Shirt

    Participants registered by November 9th, 2026 will receive a t-shirt. Early packet Pickup will be at the Central Chamber Office on Friday, November 20th from 10:00am-5:00pm. Race day packet pickup begins at 6:45am.

    8:00 AM CST

    $38.50

    Register
  • 5k Group Discount for Groups of 5 or More

    Closes in 5 days

    Incl. $2.95 Fee & T-Shirt

    Participants registered by November 9th, 2026 will receive a t-shirt. Early packet Pickup will be at the Central Chamber Office on Friday, November 20th from 10:00am-5:00pm. *IF YOU ARE PICKING UP AS A GROUP PLEASE EMAIL THE CHAMBER AHEAD OF TIME* Race day packet pickup begins at 6:45am.

    8:00 AM CST

    $32.95

    Register

Organiser's description

RUNNING OF THE ELVES 5K

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026

CENTRAL WILDCAT STADIUM

13845 HOOPER RD. CENTRAL, LA 70818



PARTICIPATE IN THE 14TH ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE ELVES. DRESSING IN YOUR BEST HOLIDAY ATTIRE IS ENCOURAGED. START YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON OFF WITH A PICTURESQUE RUN AROUND OUR QUAINT CITY OF CENTRAL.

PARTICIPANTS REGISTERED BY NOVEMBER 9TH ARE GUARANTEED TO RECEIVE A FINISHERS MEDAL, AND A T-SHIRT.



PACKAGE PICKUP WILL BE AT CENTRAL CHAMBER OFFICE ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH FROM 10 AM - 5 PM.

RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP WILL BEGIN AT 6:45 AM AT THE RACE SITE (WILDCAT STADIUM).

THE FUN RUN WILL BEGIN AT 7:45 AM WITH THE 5K TO FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AFTER



IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE RACE:

FREE PANCAKES AND COFFEE FOR EVERYONE HOT BEVERAGE
PICTURES WITH SANTA CLAUS
GIVEAWAYS
FIRE TRUCK AND SPARKY THE DOG
KID ACTIVITIES FEMALE SIGNFEMALE SIGN



AFTER THE RACE:

ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A FINISHER'S MEDAL.

TOP RUNNER AWARDS FROM ROGERS REGIONAL EYE CENTER.

COSTUME CONTEST WILL BE AWARDED TOO!



THIS EVENT WILL BE PROFESSIONALLY CHIP TIMED BY PELICAN TIMING.



REGISTRATION FEES:

*

REGISTRATION THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026- $30

*

REGISTRATION OCTOBER 2ND THROUGH NOVEMBER 19TH, 2026- $35

*

DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION NOV. 21ST, 2026: $40



ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS AT 11:59PM ON NOVEMBER 19TH, 2026

T-SHIRTS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR REGISTRATIONS BY NOVEMBER 9TH, 2026



THIS YEAR WE WILL ALSO BE SELLING OUR UNIQUE RACE T-SHIRT SEPARATELY. THESE ADDITIONAL T-SHIRT SALES WILL END ON 11/15/2026.

IF YOU'RE NOT A RUNNER OR WANT ONE FOR A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER YOU CAN PURCHASE IT HERE https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/LA/Central/ElfRun5K.



5K AGE GROUPS:

*

1-14

*

15-19

*

20-29

*

30-39

*

40-49

*

50-59

*

60-69

*

70+



5K AWARDS:

*

TOP OVERALL MALE

*

TOP OVERALL FEMALE

*

1ST AND 2ND MALE IN EACH AGE GROUP

*

1ST AND 2ND FEMALE IN EACH AGE GROUP

1 MILE FUN RUN AWARDED TO OVERALL TOP MALE AND FEMALE



THE RACE BENEFITS THE CENTRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ITS SHOP SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY CAMPAIGN.

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Location

13845 Hooper Rd, Central, 70818, LA, United States

Event data

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